Drinking and Smoking: How to Quit this Dangerous Combination

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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Ah-choo!

Is it just us, or is it the time of year when you or someone you know is sick?

Being an adult while unwell is challenging enough. Getting sick, however, has its share of dangers for individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction. You may have already guessed it: alcohol is present in many cold and flu treatments. Nyquil, we’re talking about you!

For instance, some medications make you feel sleepy like downers, while others make you feel alert, which are known as uppers.

Experiencing all of these emotions can be particularly triggering, especially for people who are in recovery.

At Legends Recovery Center of Ohio, our rehab facilities provide treatment programs, addiction therapy, and other treatment resources to help people struggling with the diseases of alcoholism and mental illness.

Here’s our guide to alcohol and your immune system, and how getting sober can boost your overall health.

What is the Immune System and How Does it Work?

Our body’s immune system is made up of white blood cells, tissues, and organs that are intended to fight off infections, diseases, and toxins. It aids in maintaining our overall health and well-being. However, when a person’s immune system is compromised, for instance, drinking copious amounts of alcohol, it makes the body more susceptible to illness and infection.

The immune system consists of two main components:

• The innate immune system: This response to pathogenic bacteria, viruses, and other microbes, along with providing overall immunity.
• Your immune memory: This is taken care of by your adaptive immune system. It includes things like recalling the symptoms of an earlier infection, such as chickenpox, and preventing a recurrence by taking the right precautionary measures.

Drinking negatively affects both immune system components. There is no “safe” amount to consume. Every organ in the body is affected both immediately and over time.

The Impact of Alcohol on the Immune System

Your body treats alcohol as a toxin, thus it needs to be flushed out. Every time you drink, your immune system has to work harder to defend your organs from tissue damage. Increased vulnerability to other ailments is the result.

Research from the Alcohol and Drug Foundation (ADF) shows that heavy drinking can cause a 3-7 times greater susceptibility to the development of serious illnesses like pneumonia from simple respiratory tract infections.

One may observe they tend to get sick more frequently than they did before the shift in alcohol use as drinking becomes more frequent or excessive. The sickness symptoms are worse than what a person could experience when they are just hungover.
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Alcohol can have an impact on the immune system even if you are not a heavy drinker regularly. A single session of 5–6 drinks can depress the immune system for up to 24 hours.
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Since the immune system takes longer to detect and respond to illnesses, drinking over time can result in longer-lasting issues. The following are some long-term effects:

• More severe diseases
• Longer-lasting symptoms
• More Infection forces the immune system to work harder.

Drinking alcohol regularly over time harms the body, its systems, and every organ. Binge drinking also impairs your immune system’s ability to fight off diseases like liver disease, some malignancies, and viruses. Other side effects that taking drugs and drinking alcohol has on the immune system include:
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According to research, regular drinking can lead to intestinal inflammation that harms the remainder of your gastrointestinal (GI) tract in addition to your liver. An immune system reaction called inflammation serves as a barrier between the body and potential harm. It can, however, have a negative effect and result in long-term health issues if it is extended.

Unwanted antigens stay in your body instead of your body purging bacteria or toxins from its system and returning to a healthy baseline. As a result, inflammation levels are high and the immune system is kept constantly on high alert. The result can cause a wide range of health issues, such as arthritis, asthma, heart disease, Crohn’s disease, insomnia, and different types of cancer.
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You are more prone to experience recurrent infections or potentially serious problems since chronic inflammation reduces your body’s capacity to fight against various diseases. When alcohol is absorbed into the body, a person’s red blood cells can become enlarged, and also interfere with the growth and operation of white blood cells.

This makes the body work even harder to defend and protect itself from being vulnerable to the invasion of infection and bacteria. Even respiratory illnesses like pneumonia and even COVID-19 are more likely to be contracted by someone with an alcohol use disorder (AUD).
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Your body and mind are meant to rest and repair when you sleep. Alcohol severely impairs this crucial process. Any time you drink alcohol, even just one beer or glass of wine, your body changes its concentration right away. It puts removing alcohol from your system before caring for your general health. This implies that other crucial processes, like sleep, suffer.

Tiredness is simply one of the side effects you could experience from drinking since it makes it harder to fall asleep, and sleep affects how well your immune system can defend itself. Additionally, you are more prone to get sick more frequently and with severe symptoms.

An inability to get enough rest and re-energize your body can exacerbate the symptoms of poor mental health, especially for individuals with insomnia, depression, anxiety, frequent mood swings, and chronic stress.
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How Does Drinking Alcohol Affect the Immune System?

Bacteria can more easily enter the bloodstream when the immune system of the body weakens. In other words, due to inadequate protection and removal of toxins by the lungs, our immune system becomes compromised due to exposure to viruses. It is already inconvenient to get colds frequently. However, the risk of developing major respiratory and other chronic illnesses due to heavy drinking is considerably more worrisome.

Is it the Flu Or Withdrawal Symptoms?

This time of the year sickness is rampant. Cold chills, high fevers, and a dry cough might give off the unsettling impression that something is attacking your immune system. In the end, viruses are what cause both the flu and COVID-19.

Although seasonal influenza (flu) viruses are detected all year round in the United States, the “flu season” is when these viruses most frequently spread.

According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), the actual start and end dates of flu seasons might vary, although October is often when activity spikes. Flu activity often reaches its peak between December and February, though it can persist into May. The timing and duration of flu activity have become less predictable since the COVID pandemic began.

Therefore, especially around this time of year, most people mistakenly believe that their symptoms of runny nose, watery eyes, sneezing, and upset stomach are caused by the “common cold” or “flu,” but in reality, they are typically caused by withdrawal symptoms. It’s quite simple to confuse the two.

That’s why it’s important to protect yourself as much as possible to avoid putting yourself at risk. But, sometimes it’s inevitable, especially for those with addiction and mental health issues.

Take into account the following suggestions to help you determine if the symptoms you are displaying are genuinely those of a disease or a side effect related to alcohol withdrawal:

• First, consider how long you have been drinking and how much.
• If you recently (within the past 12-48 hours) quit drinking alcohol after prolonged use (5 days or more) then chances are you are withdrawing.
• Mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms usually only last about 24-48 hours (1-2 days). Symptoms that persist depending on the situation can indicate the flu or something more severe.
• Flu-like symptoms that go away when drinking is most definitely withdrawal.
• If symptoms don’t become worse, are not accompanied by a cough or headache, and are not reduced with over-the-counter medications, they are most likely withdrawal.

So, is a sickness really what’s occurring? Or is there a symbiotic relationship between alcohol and your immune system?

It’s Okay to Ask for Help

According to research conducted by the Cleveland Clinic, over 20 million people in the United States have at least one substance use disorder (SUD). But, perhaps it will surprise you to learn that out of all those Americans who struggle, don’t receive the treatment they need.

Asking for assistance when we need it can be the hardest thing to do. However, it’s crucial to request and accept any assistance that friends, family, sponsors, or other members of the recovery community may be able to provide when you’re unwell.

The most crucial thing to keep in mind is that you are not alone in your battle against drug and alcohol abuse, and you are also not alone when trying to recuperate during the worst of the flu season.

No matter how long you have battled drug or alcohol addiction, please keep in mind that it is never too late to ask for assistance. There are options available if you are having trouble quitting and navigating these unprecedented times when you’re unsure of how to proceed.

Can Rehab Help Getting Sober?

Even if you have been drinking heavily for a long time, you can start working toward sobriety and repairing the harm that drinking has done to your immune system. The first step to a new life and a healthy body is medical detox.

You must wait for all of the alcohol to leave your system before continuing. Detoxification at a rehab facility can provide a safe and professional environment to ease withdrawal. It is highly discouraged to self-detox at home, as it can be painful and dangerous when done alone without supervision by a licensed medical specialist.

Your immune system will require time to recover following a thorough detox. You may aid it by gaining knowledge about diet, getting active, and taking care of any underlying issues with your physical and mental health.

Total well-being for the body and mind is addressed at Legends Recovery Center in Ohio. You’ll learn to live a full life as a result and strengthen your immune system free from addictive substances.

Getting Sober Starts With You

It’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of an alcohol use disorder. If you or someone you care about is abusing alcohol, and needs help, consult with your doctor about undergoing medical detox and treatment.

Alcohol and your immune system will no longer be a threat to living the life one deserves! Contact our admissions team today to learn more about the addiction treatment services we offer, and to get started on your road to recovery.

https://adf.org.au/insights/alcohol-immune-system/

https://desertcoverecovery.com/blog/how-getting-sober-can-boost-your-immune-system/

https://serenitylane.org/blog/your-sick-when-sober-survival-guide/

https://www.cleanrecoverycenters.com/withdrawals-the-flu-or-something-else/

https://www.opiate.com/withdrawal/mild-opiate-withdrawal-symptoms-vs-the-flu/

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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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