Among the many treatment plans given to those suffering from alcoholism, the 12-step program emerges as one of the most popular and effective.

Alcoholics Anonymous’ (AA) Big Book claims to have garnered an impressive 50% success rate among its followers.

During your pathway toward recovery, you’re often tasked with self-reflection. In the fourth step of AA, you need to reflect on your fears, resentments, and other factors in your life that led you to where you are now.

As someone stuck in this step, let this guide help you organize your thoughts and plan what to write to complete it successfully.

Guide for Step 4 of AA

The 4th step in the 12-step program from AA asks those suffering from addiction to make a searching and fearless moral inventory of themselves. In other words, this step allows you to take a look at yourself and create a personal reflection of your fears.

“Moral” in this case primarily refers to the truth about yourself. This self-discovery leads you to get a clearer image of the role you played when navigating your life during addiction and how you ended up here.

You’ll begin to notice patterns, behaviors, and instincts that drive you to make negative choices. By understanding these aspects, you’ll begin to acknowledge what’s holding you back from recovery.

Overall, the fourth step makes you take a clear-cut inventory of the fears and resentments to review your life. It doesn’t have to be a detailed account of every little altercation in your life story. The more clear-cut you are in this inventory, the better.

Guide to Completing Step 4

To keep things organized, you’ll be dividing this step into a few sections, such as your resentments and fear inventory. Here’s a guide to each one below.

Resentments

The founders of AA understood the power resentment held over alcoholics. According to the Big Book, “Resentment is the number-one offender. It destroys more alcoholics than anything else.”

The author addresses it as a spiritual disease where you have pent-up anger towards an aspect of your life.

To complete the resentment inventory, you’ll need to first list who or what you’re resentful of. Next, briefly mention the cause of resentment and talk about what part of your life it affects. In the latter section, you can mention whether it affected your social ambitions, personal relationships, self-esteem, and material security.

Lastly, you’ll want to ask yourself, “What part did I play in this resentment?” “Did I take any action against it?” “Could I be blamed in this situation? How?” All these questions help you become more honest with yourself and better learn your patterns.

Example

I’m resentful at…	Cause	Affects my…	Where was I to blame
My boss	They’re unreasonable.They keep threatening to fire me.They ask too much of me.	Personal relationshipsMaterial securitySelf-esteem	I was not confrontational.

Fears

After completing your resentments inventory, it’s time to reflect on your fears. The fear inventory can correlate with your resentments because think of it this way, in the fourth column where you mention your actions, were you doing them out of fear?

Fear-driven action usually comes when three parts of your life are threatened: social, security, and sexual instincts.

In other cases, your fears may not connect to your resentments. You might blame the fear on a lack of self-reliance. Some of us may have an incredible sense of self-confidence, but fears still linger at the back of our minds.

As per the Big Book’s more religious perspective, this is likely because you trust in your finite self, rather than an infinite higher power.

Besides that, completing this step will involve listing out your fears and what they affect in your life.

Example

I’m fearful of…	It affects my…
JudgmentThe opinion of others	Self-esteemPersonal relationshipsEmotional security

Sex Conduct

During your journey towards recovery, maintaining a healthy sex ideal and conduct is crucial. Intimate relationships play a large part in our lives. They could either improve or risk your path to recovery.

You must consider the emotions of those involved as well as yours. For this reason, the sex conduct inventory allows you to write a list of people you’ve had sex relations with. Then, you answer questions like: “Was I dishonest?” “Was I inconsiderate?” “Was I selfish?” “Did I unjustly cause bitterness or hurt someone?”

In the succeeding column, you can answer, “What should I have done instead?” You’ll reflect on your actions in certain scenarios and imagine how better they could’ve played out had you acted differently.

This exercise will help you shape an idea of what you wish your future sex conduct to look like. You can also craft this image through the guidance of your higher power or highest self.

Example

Whom did I hurt?	Cause	What could I have done instead?
My ex	I was inconsiderate and ghosted them.I didn’t let them know from the start that I couldn’t accept a long-term relationship.	I could’ve been more transparent with them about my feelings.

Harm Done to Others

After writing about your resentment, fear, and sex conduct inventories, it should be clear to you who you’ve harmed throughout your struggles.

In this section, you’ll write down a list of people you’ve harmed. Then, detail why and how you harmed them. It could be from jealousy, selfishness, and dishonesty. Finally, write what you should’ve done instead.

Whom did I hurt?	Cause	What could I have done instead?
My sister	I was dishonest with her.	I should’ve maintained a more truthful relationship with her and been more open.

Possible Fear List

As you create a list of fears for your inventory, here are some that can help:

• God or a higher power
• Loneliness
• Rejection
• Disease
• Relapsing
• Dying
• Other people’s opinions
• Possessiveness
• Vulnerability
• Financial strain
• Honesty
• Guidance
• The past
• Intimacy
• Material loss
• Losing a loved one
• Self-expression
• Judgment
• Not being forgiven
• Parents
• Church environment
• The unknown
• Harming others
• Staying sober
• Hospitals
• Being taken advantage of
• Growing old
• Writing the fourth step
• Disapproval
• Confrontation
• Physical pain
• Feelings
• Authority figures
• Police
• Jail
• Experiencing change
• Dating
• Guns
• Government
• Commitment
• Communication
• Responsibility
• Insecurity
• Invasion of boundaries
• Public humiliation
• Animal or insect phobias

Tips When Completing Your Fear List

As you write your fear list and complete the fourth step of the program, use these tips to ensure a more beneficial and effective experience.

• Keep your details brief. You can write your fears in bullet points to make them clearer.
• Don’t complete the step alone. Seek assistance from a friend, family member, or treatment support group.
• Ensure that communication channels are open with your friends in case you need to process strong emotions.
• While completing the list, maintain a healthy outlook. Don’t write it while hungry, angry, tired, or lonely.
• Try to pray or meditate before writing the list to ensure a calmer state of mind while digging up past experiences.
• Use online resources to find worksheets for each inventory.

To Conclude

Recognizing your fears and facing them during your recovery journey requires courage. Self-reflecting on your faults and addressing what could’ve been done allows you to see a better version of yourself in the future.

Through the fourth step in AA’s 12-step program, you’ll be able to do that and gain more insight into the reasoning behind your actions and decisions. In other words, you get to gain a larger inventory of yourself.

If you or someone you love is struggling with alcoholism, don’t hesitate to contact us at Allure Detox to receive the care necessary.

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Published on: 2024-06-11
Updated on: 2024-09-23

In essence, drugs are substances that can alter your physical and mental state. They can influence the way you feel and act, as well as how your brain works.

From over-the-counter medicines to hard narcotics, drug types vary. We’ll be primarily talking about illicit drugs and their prevalence.

Drug abuse and addiction has been around for centuries. Nonetheless, modern drug abuse research can be traced back to the 60s. Ever since then, studies revolving around its effects have emerged.

In this article, we’ll be targeting recent statistics and facts about drug use in the U.S.

10 Drug Facts You Should Know

Here are ten eye-opening statistics you should familiarize yourself with.

1. Over 50% of people over the age of 12 have used illegal drugs at least once in their lifetime. 45.7% of them have used marijuana.
2. Approximately 57.277 million people in the U.S. have used tobacco or nicotine products, such as vapes.
3. 24.7% of individuals suffering from drug abuse struggle with opioid use disorder, which can include abusing heroin and prescription pain relief medication.
4. People between the ages of 18 and 25 carry the highest rate of drug use, reaching over 39%.
5. Illicit drug abuse is more common among school dropouts reaching 31.4% compared to non-dropouts at 18.2%.
6. 2022 recorded over 107,941 deaths from drug-related overdoses. 70% of them were males. Synthetic opioids, like fentanyl, were one of the primary causes of these deaths.
7. 5.9% of 12th graders have reportedly used prescription drugs for non-medical use in 2022.
8. Those struggling with addiction and substance abuse are twice as likely to be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.
9. Around 54.6 million people over the age of 12 required addiction treatment for substance abuse in 2022. A small 26% portion of them received the help necessary.
10. Recovery from substance addiction is possible. Of the 29 million people experiencing substance abuse, 71% of them report that they’re on a path toward recovery.

The Dangers of Illicit Drugs

Illicit drug use poses numerous risk factors you must consider. Substances, such as methamphetamine, marijuana, and prescription medication can cause addiction and lead to misuse.

This danger is particularly critical in adolescents and young adults during their development stages. That said, drug misuse can cause damaging physical and mental effects.

Physical Health Dangers

Illicit drugs can alter major organs, including the heart and brain. For instance, cocaine can majorly disrupt brain activity.

The organ sends and receives signals through a network of neurons and neurotransmitters. Cocaine can trigger your brain’s neurons to send too many natural neurotransmitters, interfering with the communication between neurons.

Meanwhile, other drugs, like heroin and marijuana, can mimic neurotransmitters. Since they’re not natural neurotransmitters, they can send abnormal messages throughout your brain network.

As for your heart health, drugs like opiates, cannabis, methamphetamines, and cocaine can increase your chances of developing an irregular heartbeat by 35% to 86%.

Mental Health Dangers

Increased drug misuse can harm your mental health. Substances such as amphetamine, often termed crystal meth, can lead to anxiety and depression disorders.

While the drug’s short-term effects induce alertness, its long-term use can lead to a lack of sleep and the inability to relax.

In terms of other drugs, like benzodiazepines, they’re intended for anxiety patients since they cause a relaxing effect.

Prolonged use can bring about addiction from dependency. Once you become overly dependent on it, you’ll experience symptoms, like impaired thinking, memory loss, anxiety, depression, irritability, and paranoia.

Risk Factors of Drug Abuse

Some individuals are more likely to struggle with substance abuse than others. Here are some factors worth considering.

History of Abuse During Childhood

A family history of drug abuse is a likely risk factor leading to future substance use. Studies of treatment programs using methadone maintenance therapy found that individuals with families with a past of drug use exhibited more symptoms of opioid dependence.

Age

The stage you are in life can heavily influence your risk of developing drug abuse. For example, young people are at risk due to interpersonal trauma, or they might want to experience something new.

Meanwhile, older people aged between 26 and 64 are more likely to abuse substances due to the struggle of balancing a career with family commitments.

People in high-stress positions, such as lawyers, medical professionals, and military personnel, are also more likely to suffer from drug abuse.

Peer Pressure

While peer pressure is one of the most common risk factors involved in substance abuse, this type of influence isn’t the primary cause of drug use.

Seeking these high-risk peer groups is the root cause of the abuse. In some cases, individuals may go to these groups to feel a sense of safety.

Alternatively, these groups could only influence you to smoke or drink alcohol, which is a gateway to using illicit drugs.

Co-Occurring Disorders

In several cases, substance abuse patients get dual diagnoses, which means they’re afflicted with drug addiction and a mental illness.

Over 7-10 million people in the U.S. have co-occurring disorders along with their substance abuse. These mental disorders can include anxiety, ADHD, depression, and anxiety.

Signs of Drug Abuse

If you suspect a loved one is struggling with substance abuse, you can monitor them for the following common indicators:

• Bloodshot eyes
• Sudden weight fluctuations
• A change of appetite
• Fluctuating sleeping patterns
• Deteriorating physical appearance (i.e. lack of personal grooming)
• Slurred speech
• Impaired coordination
• Poor performance at work or school
• Change of mood
• Irritability
• Involuntary eye movements
• Low blood pressure and slowed breathing

Key Terminology

Check out some key drug use terminology below:

• Stimulants: A substance that increases your body’s psychological and nervous activity. Subsequently, it makes you feel more alert and energized. Stimulants can include methamphetamines and cocaine.
• Depressants: Depressants are the opposite of stimulants. They slow your body down and are usually used to treat anxiety disorders. They relax your muscles and can make you feel sleepy. Some depressants include benzodiazepines and cannabis.
• Hallucinogens: These types of drugs typically make you see things that aren’t there, similar to LSD, MDMA, and other “club drugs.” They also alter your mood.
• Inhalants: These are drugs that are used through inhalation. They’re huffed or sniffed to produce a quick “high” effect. Examples of inhalants can include glue and gasoline.
• SAMHSA: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration is a government entity focused on resourcing treatment programs and recovery assistance to the public.

Drug Abuse Prevention

Whether you’re years into your recovery plan or just taking your first steps, prevention is necessary.

You can avoid relapses by staying away from high-risk environments and situations, such as influential peer groups.

Additionally, we highly recommend maintaining clear communication channels with your treatment plan coordinator. Even if you fall back, you should always step back toward your path of recovery.

To Conclude

Drug addiction often comes with a damaging domino effect. For instance, if a breastfeeding or pregnant woman is suffering from addiction, it can lead to her baby experiencing withdrawal after being born.

Another common example arises from infections caused by injections. Over one in ten cases of HIV are caused by injection of drugs, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse.

Overall, drug abuse has become a serious issue nationwide. Fortunately, government efforts have addressed the crisis through drug control policies and restraints.

Besides that, if you or a loved one is afflicted with a substance use disorder, don’t hesitate to receive help from us at Allure Detox, located in West Palm Beach.

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Published on: 2024-06-06
Updated on: 2024-10-04

Phentermine is a prescription stimulant drug that has been approved by the FDA for treating weight loss in overweight people. It is used in combination with a diet and exercise plan to treat obesity in people who also suffer from diabetes, high cholesterol, or high blood pressure.

Although the effects of phentermine are relatively short-lived, they have the potential to linger in the body for several days. Phentermine can also interact negatively with other medications, supplements, and substances; therefore, it is important to be aware of its potential presence in a user’s system. Because of its chemical structure and its classification as an illicit controlled substance, phentermine can sometimes be flagged by drug tests, including urine, blood, hair, and saliva tests that employers and athletic organizations use for screening.

What is Phentermine?

Phentermine is a prescription weight-loss medication for people over sixteen years of age. It’s an anorectic drug that works by stimulating the central nervous system to release chemicals that decrease your appetite.

In the 1990s, it was combined with fenfluramine and dexfenfluramine to create a treatment commonly known as fen-phen. After reports that this regimen could cause serious heart problems, fen-phen was pulled from the market. However, today, phentermine is manufactured and sold as Adipex-P, Lomaira, and Suprenza. It is available by prescription on its own or in combination with topiramate in a drug called Qsymia.

Phentermine is a stimulant that is chemically similar to amphetamine. Consequently, it is classified as a controlled substance, although it has a relatively low risk of dependence when used as directed. Doctors generally prescribe phentermine to obese patients who have a body mass index (BMI) at or above 30 and weight-related high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or type 2 diabetes.

Factors Influencing How Long Phentermine Stays in Your System

Research presented to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) suggests that drugs may be distributed and metabolized differently in people with obesity compared to people of normal weight. These differences in processing could cause the drugs to stay in the body longer and, at the same time, be less effective than expected. Mostly, the findings have been noted to apply to fat-soluble drugs, which are metabolized in a characteristic manner by an obese person due to their relatively large volume and proportion of body fat. As the amount of fat tissue in the body increases, the drug’s distribution space also increases, which can potentially lower its serum concentrations, making it less effective while extending its half-life. After the patient stops taking the medication, their fat tissue will continue to release the drug until the body eliminates it, leading to prolonged exposure. Although phentermine is a water-soluble medication, these studies shed light on potential complications that may occur when it’s used with other fat-soluble medications.

Dosage and Frequency: Impact of Amount and Regularity of Phentermine Intake

A variety of factors, including age, health conditions, and concurrent medication use, can affect the distribution, metabolism, and excretion of phentermine. To maintain the appropriate serum levels and reduce the potential for adverse effects, there may be cases when the dose and frequency of administered phentermine need to be adjusted. The duration of a drug’s potency and the time it takes to leave a person’s system are dependent on its realized half-life.

Role of Liver and Kidney Health in Drug Elimination

The liver is the primary organ involved in drug metabolism, while the kidney’s primary function is excretion. If the health of these organs is compromised, drugs have the potential to accumulate in the body in toxic concentrations.

How Age and Metabolic Rate Can Affect Drug Retention

A person’s metabolic enzyme systems change with age. Starting around age 55, blood circulation and CYP450 enzymatic activity slow down significantly, which can make drug metabolization more difficult. Older adults may need a smaller dose of a drug per pound of body weight, compared to younger patients.

Phentermine’s Half-Life

The term “half-life” describes the estimate of time it takes for the amount or concentration of a drug to be reduced in the body by exactly 50%.
For instance, if a person takes 100mg of a drug with a one-hour half-life, it is estimated that:

• 50mg will remain in the body after one hour
• 25mg will remain in the body after two hours
• 12.5mg will remain in the body after three hours

… and so on.

In actuality, the half-life of a drug in a person’s body can be influenced by many different factors, including its volume of distribution, and its excretion rate or drug clearance. As an example, a drug that has a half-life of a few hours in a healthy person may stay in the body of a person with kidney disease for days. Most drugs lose potency after four or five half-lives, but they may still be detectable in a person’s body as the drug continues to be in their system.

Research shows that when taken orally, phentermine has a 19-24 hour half-life, which implies that it will stay in your system and be detectable in the body for five to six days. The effects of the medication typically last for four to twelve hours.

Detection Times in Different Tests

Depending on the type of drug test administered, there may be different detection levels for phentermine.

Urine Test

Phentermine is generally detectable in urine for 48-72 hours, but it may be detectable for longer in people who metabolize the drug more slowly.

Blood Test

Blood tests that are performed by a medical practitioner can usually reveal the presence of phentermine for up to 24 hours. In some cases, the drug can be detected in blood after one day.

Saliva Test

How long does phentermine stay in your saliva?
A saliva test that uses a swab can usually detect phentermine for 24 to 48 hours following consumption.

Hair Follicle Test

Hair follicle tests can detect phentermine for up to 90 days after dosage. The test is not typically affected by shampoo, dye, or other hair care products.

The Process of Phentermine Metabolism

After a person takes phentermine orally, it is absorbed through their gastrointestinal tract. In most people, the drug reaches its highest concentration in the blood in three to four-and-two-fifths hours. Phentermine is metabolized by the liver. The mechanisms of metabolization are p-hydroxylation, N-hydroxylation, and N-oxidation, after which the drug is conjugated. Only about 6% of the administered dose is metabolized, while the N-oxidized and N-Hydroxylated metabolites represent 5% of the dose. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A4 is the primary metabolizing enzyme, phentermine, while amine oxidase enzymes take part in oxidoreductase activity. 70 to 80% of a phentermine dose is excreted, unchanged, in urine.

Factors That May Prolong Phentermine Retention

There are several factors that have the potential to prolong the retention of phentermine by a person’s body, including:

Drug Interactions

Phentermine has noted interactions with several medications, some of which can increase the serum level of phentermine or slow its excretion rate. Abametapir and Acetazolamide are two examples of these drugs, but there may be others. Studies have also shown that the excretion rate of phentermine may decrease when it is taken with antacids, which can prolong its effects or increase the probability of toxicity.

Lifestyle Factors

A person’s diet, hydration levels, and activity level can affect their metabolism, which can in turn influence the activity of the enzymes that break down phentermine. If an enzyme’s metabolic function increases, a drug can lose potency. If an enzyme’s metabolic function decreases, the drug may be less well-tolerated.

Health Conditions

Health conditions that affect metabolism and excretion, such as advanced heart disease, kidney disease, and chronic liver disorders, can negatively affect the metabolic processing of phentermine.

Withdrawal and Side Effects

Although phentermine is presumed to have a low potential for addiction, the body can still become accustomed to its presence. If a person has been taking phentermine for some time, they may experience symptoms of withdrawal when they stop using it, including:

Fatigue

Phentermine is a stimulant that can make a person feel more alert and energetic. People who stop taking phentermine may feel tired or weak as their brain adapts to the absence of the drug. Patients who take large doses of phentermine for a long period of time will be the most susceptible to these effects. They may also experience some cognitive impairment, which is usually temporary, but may be worsened by stress.

Weight Gain

Phentermine is an appetite suppressant that encourages people who take it to consume fewer calories. Once a person stops taking phentermine, their appetite may increase, and they may be less inclined to exercise. As a result, they may consume more calories, burn them at a slower rate, and gain weight as a consequence.

Changes in Mood

Phentermine works by changing the levels of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. These chemicals are responsible for mood-regulation, and after a person stops taking phentermine, the brain may experience a chemical imbalance before it can return to its normal state. During this time, people may experience bad moods, sadness, and depression.

Drug Cravings

After a person stops taking phentermine, they commonly experience psychological cravings for the drug, because they miss the good feelings the drug can provide.

Phentermine is a medication that has potential to induce side effects, including:

• A dry or unpleasant taste in the mouth
• Gastrointestinal effects such as constipation, diarrhea, or vomiting

Serious side effects may include:

• high blood pressure
• heart palpitations
• dizziness
• tremors
• sleeplessness
• restlessness
• shortness of breath
• chest pain
• edema
• blurred vision

Patients who experience these side effects should seek medical attention immediately.

Phentermine Can Be an Essential Treatment in the Fight Against Obesity

Phentermine can be a safe tool in the fight against obesity when it is used under a doctor’s care. It is important to consulting with a doctor and understand its potential risks and effects before beginning a treatment regimen.

References:

List of scientific studies, clinical guidelines, and expert opinions referenced in the post.

• https://www.drugs.com/phentermine.html
• https://ocweightlosscenters.com/5-ways-phentermine-is-beneficial-for-weight-loss/
• https://genomind.com/patients/what-everyone-needs-to-know-about-drug-metabolism/
• https://medicalcareclinic.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/Dangers-of-Using-Phentermine-.pdf
• https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482165/
• https://milwaukeemedicalweightlossmedispa.com/prescription-medications/
• https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB00191
• https://www.psychiatrist.com/jcp/importance-of-half-life-in-psychopharmacology/
• https://www.hormones.gr/8442/article/a-review-of-the-metabolic-effects%E2%80%A6.html
• https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/fda/fdaDrugXsl.cfm?setid=462eefa0-6224-42c2-af3f-c598de0d8010&type=display
• https://stop.publichealth.gwu.edu/LFD-apr23

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Published on: 2024-01-12
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Valium is one of the most popular medications to treat anxiety disorders, panic attacks, insomnia, and various other related substance abuse conditions.

If you’re prescribed valium by your doctor, you might be wondering, “How long does it take for Valium to kick in?”

Valium’s active ingredient is Diazepam, which is an anxiolytic drug from the Benzodiazepine family. Usually, Valium works around 15 to 60 minutes in order to go into full effect, although some factors may speed up or impact the effectiveness of the drug.

If you want to find out more about Valium’s onset of action and how long it lasts in your body, this guide will answer all of your questions!

What Does Valium Do to You?

Let’s start by having a quick look at Valium and its effect on you. Like other drugs from the Benzodiazepine family, Diazepam has an inhibitory or calming effect on the body and mind.

The drug increases the effectiveness of a brain chemical known as “gamma-aminobutyric acid” or “GABA”.

This brain chemical is a neurotransmitter responsible for inducing a sedated and tranquilized effect on the nervous system.

Besides sedation, activating GABA receptors also have a muscle-relaxant effect, which is why it’s also used as

• Anticonvulsant in seizure treatment
• Muscle relaxant to treat excessive tension and tremors
• Sedative for insomnia
• Short-term anxiety is caused by depression (usually in combination with antidepressants).

How Long Does Valium Take to Show Effects?

Although Diazepam is one of the most popular drugs in the Benzodiazepine family, it’s not exactly the fastest.

After taking your prescribed dose of valium, it should take anywhere between a few minutes and up to an hour for the drug to kick in.

You might be wondering why there’s a huge range in the drug’s onset of action. Well, that’s because Valium is affected by a variety of factors that have an impact on its speed.

Factors Affecting the Speed of Valium Effects

The biggest factor that influences the speed of Valium effects is the dosage form. Valium is available in both oral tablets, injections (Intravenous and Intramuscular), or rectal gels.

Ideally, injections are the fastest route of administering the drug, as it takes only 5 to 10 minutes to kick in.

Rectal gels are also relatively quick as they take 5 to 30 minutes to show their effect. Oral tablets are the slowest form, taking around 15 to 60 minutes to start working.

Besides dosage form, other aspects can also have an impact on Valium’s onset of action, which includes

• Age, gender, and ethnicity
• Bodyweight
• Metabolic rate and conditions affecting it
• Amount of Valium taken
• Overall physical and mental health
• Drug interactions
• Frequency of use, Diazepam can cause dependence, which reduces its effectiveness at lower doses (more about that in the following sections)

When Should I Get Better After Using Valium?

The effectiveness of Valium is highly dependent on what you’re using it for, which is why your doctor will prescribe Valium for a specific time depending on your condition.

For example, if you’re taking valium to alleviate symptoms of mild anxiety, you should feel the difference as soon as the treatment kicks in, but it’ll come into full effect after a week.

The same applies to other indications like muscle spasms and seizures, which takes around a few days to come into full effect as well.

How Long Do Valium Effects Last?

Although other Benzodiazepine derivatives like Lorazepam (Ativan) are faster than Valium, the latter has the advantage of staying in effect for a while longer.

Diazepam reaches peach plasma concentration within 60 to 90 minutes of taking the drug and breaking it down into active metabolites.

It then valium lasts in effect for up to 24 hours, and its effectiveness may extend with repeating doses.

How Long Does It Take Valium to Leave Your System?

The active ingredient of Valium (Diazepam) has an average half-life of around 46 hours.

However, when Valium is metabolized in the liver, it’s converted into desmethyldiazepam, which has a much longer half-life time of around 100 hours.

The effect of Valium wears off anywhere between 30 to 60 hours after the last dose, but it could still be detected by analysis.

For example, urine analysis may detect Valium and its metabolites for up to 3 to 4 weeks after the last dose while a saliva test can detect it for only 7 to 9 days.

Keep in mind that hair follicles can build up traces of valium that remain detectable in tests for up to 90 days. Yet, it’s not the most accurate test.

All these numbers are subject to vary in the case of drug abuse and medical conditions affecting Valium metabolism.

How Long Should You Be Taking Valium?

Your doctor will only prescribe Valium if its benefits outweigh its severe side effects. Ideally, doctors prescribe Valium for short periods of up to 4 weeks.

This is because Valium can develop tolerance and addiction if taken for a long time. If your doctor prescribes it for longer, you’ll need to follow a dose reduction plan to avoid Diazepam withdrawal symptoms.

What Happens If You Keep Taking Valium?

Like other Benzodiazepines, Diazepam has highly addictive properties. For that reason, the drug is listed under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

You should never try to take Valium on your own or consume it for long-term use than the treatment period.

Diazepam remains in your system much longer than regular drugs and may accumulate with time.

Misuse and abuse of Valium may lead to toxic overdose, which can be fatal and put you at risk of comas, lung collapse, and even death.

Similarly, stopping the treatment abruptly without dose adjustment could cause withdrawal problems.

Wrap Up

This marks the end of today’s guide about Valium and how long it takes to kick in. As you can see, Diazepam starts working anywhere between 5 to 60 minutes.

With that being said, you should only use Valium according to your doctor’s prescription and never increase or take higher doses, decrease, or stop the prescription drug treatment on your own.

Make sure that you contact your physician if you feel any discomfort or worsening side effects while taking Valium. Despite being a prescribed drug and having approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), high doses of Valium use or any other drug use may lead to serious health conditions that affect the user’s central nervous system, such as addiction, physical dependence, and other opioid use disorders. 

If you know someone who is suffering from substance abuse, reach out to a healthcare provider specializing in addiction treatment so that they will be able to tailor treatment programs or treatment options according to what they need.

Summary

TL;DR: Valium (diazepam) typically takes 15 to 60 minutes to kick in when taken orally.

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Published on: 2023-02-27
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Ativan is the brand name of a benzodiazepine medication called “Lorazepam”, which is a substance used to treat anxiety in addition to other psychological disorders.

When patients are prescribed Ativan for the first time, the most common question they have is “how does Ativan make you feel?”

Ativan is an anxiolytic drug, which means it’s used mainly to treat anxiety. Lorazepam induces a feeling of relaxation and calmness by stimulating the inhibitory receptors in the brain responsible for feeling at ease.

In today’s article, we’ll walk you through a brief guide with everything you need to know about Ativan and concerns regarding its use. Let’s dive in!

TL;DR: Ativan (lorazepam) typically induces feelings of calmness and reduced anxiety.

What Is Ativan Used for?

The effect of Lorazepam makes Ativan a commonly prescribed treatment for a wide variety of disorders.

Of course, the most common reason for prescribing Ativan is anxiety. The drug helps in reducing the symptoms associated with the conditions, such as:

• Agitation
• Excessive tension and restlessness
• Tension
• Inability to proceed with daily objectives because of feeling unsettled
• Panic attacks associated with anxiety

In addition to anxiety, Ativan may also be taken for other conditions, especially in combination with other treatments. These conditions include

• Short-term anxiety: Another type of acute anxiety, mostly associated with depression and psychological disorders.
• Insomnia: Ativan is approved as a treatment for the lack of ability to sleep due to stress and anxiety.
• Seizures: Like other benzodiazepine drugs, Ativan may also be prescribed to control/prevent seizures and status epilepticus.
• Spasms: Ativan may be prescribed as a muscle relaxant, especially in combination with other treatments to treat jerky movements and tremors.

How Does Ativan Work?

Our brains contain certain chemicals known as neurotransmitters, which are part of a complex system responsible for controlling our psychological state and hormones.

One of these neurotransmitters is known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). When GABA binds to its receptors in our brain, it induces a relaxed effect on both the mind and body, and that’s where Ativan comes into play!

Ativan’s active ingredient is Lorazepam, which belongs to the Benzodiazepine family. Like other drugs from this group, it works by stimulating GABA to bind to GABA-A receptors.

This enhances the sedative and tranquilizing effect of the brain chemical, which generates its effects on the body.

How Does Ativan Make You Feel?

As previously established, Ativan has a potent calming effect on the body and mind. However, it also has other effects associated with stimulating GABA receptors.

The most popular effect of taking Ativan is that you’ll feel a bit sleepy or drowsy/dizzy, which is why some doctors prescribe it for anxiety-induced insomnia.

Side Effects of Ativan

Ativan can also have various adverse or unwanted side effects associated with how it works. These typically include

• Blurred vision and Loss of coordination (which is why you shouldn’t drive or operate heavy machines while under the influence of Lorazepam)
• Feeling weak and clumsy
• Nausea and headache
• Heartburn or acid reflux
• Dry mouth
• Constipation with a change in appetite
• Impairment/changes if sexual abilities

Factors That Affect the Severity of Ativan Effects

As you can see, most of the side effects are associated with Lorazepam’s nervous system-slowing effects. The side effects’ intensity is also impacted by several factors, such as:

• The amount of Ativan taken
• The frequency of use
• Your overall physical and mental health

If these side effects worsen with time or become unbearable, you should let your doctor know immediately.

Taking Ativan with other drugs or substances can also increase the side effect’s severity. For example, alcohol and opioids increase the severity of Ativan’s side effects and can cause life-threatening reactions, such as cardiac arrests or collapsed lungs.

How Long Does It Take Ativan to Kick In?

Lorazepam is a fast-acting Benzodiazepine drug. This means that the effects of Ativan can be felt in as little as a few minutes. This doesn’t only apply to medicinal effects, but also the side effects.

Keep in mind that the onset of action can vary depending on how you take the treatment. Ativan is available in the form of tablets and liquid injections. The latter takes as little as 20 to 30 minutes to kick in.

How Long Does Ativan Stay in Your System?

A normal dose of Ativan should last in effect for about 6 to 8 hours. But just because the effects have worn off, doesn’t mean that the drug is completely eliminated from your system.

Lorazepam has an average half-life of around 12 hours. This means that the majority of Ativan will be out of your system after 5 days of taking it.

Ativan is metabolized in the liver and excreted by the kidney. However, some metabolites might stay in your system for a lot longer (more than 3 weeks).

Also, abusers with high tolerance might take a lot longer to completely eliminate Ativan from their system.

Aspect	Details
Duration of Effects	Ativan’s effects last approximately 6 to 8 hours.
Half-life	The average half-life of Lorazepam is around 12 hours.
Elimination Time	Most of Ativan is eliminated from the system after 5 days of ingestion.
Metabolism	Ativan is metabolized in the liver.
Excretion	It is excreted by the kidneys.
Persistent Metabolites	Some metabolites may remain in the system for more than 3 weeks.
Abuse Considerations	In cases of abuse, particularly among individuals with high tolerance, elimination may take significantly longer.

Is Ativan Addictive?

Although it’s not a narcotic, Ativan is listed under Schedule IV of the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act.

Ativan must be prescribed by a physician and is only used for short-term treatment if the doctor finds the benefits to outweigh the risks.

Long-term use and misuse of Ativan can lead to drug dependence or even addiction. For that reason, you should always follow the doctor’s dosage and never take Ativan on your own.

What Happens If I Take Ativan Without Prescription?

As previously established, Ativan can develop dependence and addiction. Ir can also put you at great risk of drug abuse or serious adverse reactions due to inadequate or high dosage.

Stopping Ativan immediately may cause intense drug withdrawal effects, including

• Breathing difficulties
• Increased heart rate
• Sweating and high body temperature
• Tremors and vertigo
• Body aches
• Muscle tension
• Painful headaches
• Insomnia

If you have been taking Ativan on your own, you should seek immediate medical help to help you with the detox stage.

Final Thoughts

This wraps it up for today’s guide which walks you through everything you need to know about Ativan and how it makes you feel.

As you can see, Ativan’s primary effect is sedation and relaxation. However, it can also have several side effects that vary in severity depending on how you use the drug, so make sure that you always abide by the prescription and never take it on your own.

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Published on: 2023-02-26
Updated on: 2024-09-23

You know that drinking alcohol can intoxicate you. That’s because alcohol has immediate effects on your brain and central nervous system. But you may not be familiar with what happens to your brain when you stop drinking. Whether it’s via a morning-after hangover or withdrawal from heavy use, alcohol affects the body in different ways. However, it also damages the brain. Quitting initiates the healing process and can even restore normal brain function.

Neurotransmitter Levels Rebalance

Dopamine and serotonin are neurotransmitters that regulate several bodily functions, including motivation, mood, sleep and digestion. Alcohol interferes with both of these neurotransmitters.

Alcohol and Dopamine

When you drink, alcohol activates the dopaminergic pathway that’s part of the brain’s reward system. In fact, the release of dopamine from alcohol use may be partially responsible for the impetus to drink more. Dopamine teaches you to repeat pleasurable activities to elicit additional dopamine “hits.”

As alcohol floods the brain with dopamine, the body responds by reducing the number of dopamine receptors. When you stop drinking, you may feel particularly sad or low because your body doesn’t have the receptors that are necessary to respond to your natural dopamine levels.

After you stop drinking, however, dopaminergic transmission improves. This process begins immediately, and dopaminergic transmission can reach healthy levels within just four weeks of abstinence.

However, it can take longer than that for the dopaminergic system to rebalance completely. At first, you may be unmotivated to seek out activities that make you feel good. You may also have trouble experiencing enjoyment from activities that were pleasurable before. Rewiring your brain takes time, but addiction treatment helps you learn how to cope with these challenges and feel fulfilled by life again.

Alcohol and Serotonin

Serotonin is responsible for improving happiness and keeping you feeling at ease. Like dopamine, serotonin is partially responsible for the rewarding and euphoric effects of alcohol.

A single drinking session can elevate your serotonin levels. However, your body is always trying to maintain homeostasis. It attempts to balance itself out in the face of chronic alcohol use. Over time, drinking alcohol lowers your serotonin levels to prevent them from becoming elevated.

When you stop drinking, your serotonin levels are lower than normal. This can lead to depression and feelings of hopelessness. In fact, the feeling of serotonin efficiency is responsible for that anxious and depressed feeling that accompanies a hangover.

Eventually, however, your body regains balance. Your serotonin levels improve, and your neurotransmitters begin to operate normally, helping you achieve a healthy, stable recovery.

The Frontal Lobe Regenerates

One of the reasons that you lose motor function and experience inhibition when you drink alcohol is that the substance damages your frontal lobe. People who struggle with alcohol use disorder often feel mentally foggy or have problems with memory and concentration.

Heavy drinking tends to shrink the frontal lobe of the brain. The frontal lobe also shrinks with age, which is why executive function issues become more pronounced in older people with alcohol abuse issues.

But this type of brain damage can be reversed. Brain volume increases in the year after you quit using alcohol.

Learning and Memory Improve

Have you ever blacked out from drinking? Acute alcohol intoxication causes short-term memory deficits. Excessive alcohol consumption affects the hippocampus, making it difficult to transform short-term memories into long-term ones.

It also makes memories harder to recall. Heavy, regular drinking impairs the hippocampus so that it becomes tougher to record incoming information as memories. People who drink frequently and excessively are more likely to have damage in their hippocampus than those who don’t. Impairments in the hippocampus are also linked to severe withdrawal symptoms.

When you quit drinking, your hippocampus begins to repair itself within two weeks. Moreover, the treatment methods that you go through create new behavioral and thinking patterns.

Because you are no longer under the influence of alcohol, your neurotransmitters become more efficient at sending messages throughout your brain and body. You can better store and retain the new information, allowing your brain to rewire in ways that promote and encourage healthy behavior.

If My Brain Is Healing, Why Do I Still Feel Bad?

Brain changes from quitting drinking don’t happen overnight. If you quit cold turkey after chronic alcohol use, your body is suddenly deprived of the chemical that it had become accustomed to. All of the brain adaptations that occurred to accommodate your alcohol use remain, and they slowly go back to normal.

Therefore, you may not feel like yourself when you begin detox. Circuits in your amygdala go into overdrive, leading to heightened emotional states. You may feel depressed, irritable, dysphoric and miserable. If you used to use alcohol to numb intense emotions, relieve anxiety or boost your mood, you’ll need to find new ways to achieve those outcomes.

That’s why it’s so important to seek professional support as you navigate recovery. At a comprehensive addiction treatment center, you’ll be in the care of providers that understand what’s going on. You’ll learn skills for coping with these intense emotions as your brain chemicals regulate themselves.

At Allure Detox, we do more than simply help you withdraw from alcohol safety. We incorporate approaches that encourage you to build a solid foundation for recovery. Our holistic therapies address your mind, emotions, body and spirit to help you create a fulfilling life of sobriety.

Contact us if you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol abuse and needs support. Together, we can maximize the positive brain changes that will set you up for a lasting recovery.

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Published on: 2022-12-30
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), substance abuse treatment is an essential health care service that should be accessible for all U.S. citizens. Nevertheless, the cost of drug rehab in Florida can differ greatly from one person to another.

Understanding The Cost Of Drug Rehab in Florida

If you don’t have insurance, you may be entitled to free, discounted or sliding-scale services based on your financial situation. Nonprofit and state-funded rehabs may provide financial support if you qualify.

You might be covered under your spouse’s health insurance benefits. Public health insurance providers like Medicaid and Medicare offer health care coverage if you have a low income or are disabled or retired and don’t have employer-based insurance or private coverage.

Between 2011 and 2014, almost 40 percent of people with alcoholism or a drug addiction did not get the help they needed. They believed that treatment was only available for those with health insurance, and they were unable to pay for treatment themselves.

Given the perceived high price of treatment, only a small number of people with an addiction seek help and get the care they need. Many people cannot afford to be away from their jobs for 30 days or more with no other source of income.

The average cost of drug rehab is about $18,000. However, it can range from $5,000 to $50,000.

According to drug treatment facilities across the country, the estimated 30-day cost of drug rehab in Florida will be somewhere between $250 and $800 per day. Long-term residential care lasting between 60 and 90 days may cost up to twice as much as a 30-day treatment program.

The estimated cost of basic residential treatment including in-depth assessments and 24/7 supervision costs between $2,000 and $20,000. Buprenorphine-assisted treatment including medication and two weekly visits costs about $5,980 per year.

The ACA dictates that your health insurance provider must cover at least part of the costs of your rehab. Some insurance companies will pay for up to 90 percent of your charges. Others pay a certain percentage, and you are responsible for the rest.

Treatment costs also vary based on your particular health care coverage, the state in which you purchased insurance, your treatment provider, and your personal needs.

An example of a personal need is if you require medication management services from a nurse who is qualified to dispense your prescriptions. You may be charged a fee to cover the cost of having the nurse visit your treatment facility every day. Medications dispensed by the nurse might include methadone and buprenorphine.

A 2016 report by the U.S. Department of Defense calculated drug rehab costs for opioid addiction to be about $6,552 per year for methadone-assisted treatment, $5,980 per year for buprenorphine-assisted treatment, and $14,112 per year for naltrexone-assisted treatment.

The treatment center you select can help you sort things out financially. They can negotiate terms with your insurance company so you won’t have to.

Category	Details
Financial Assistance	Free, discounted, or sliding-scale services based on financial situation; Nonprofit and state-funded rehabs may provide financial support if you qualify.
Spouse’s Insurance	You might be covered under your spouse’s health insurance benefits.
Public Health Insurance	Medicaid and Medicare offer health care coverage if you have a low income or are disabled or retired and don’t have employer-based insurance or private coverage.
Unmet Needs (2011-2014)	Almost 40% of people with alcoholism or a drug addiction did not get needed help, believing treatment was only available for those with health insurance.
High Perceived Cost	Many people do not seek help due to the perceived high price of treatment and inability to afford being away from jobs for extended periods.
Average Rehab Cost	About $18,000, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000.
Florida 30-Day Rehab Cost	Estimated between $250 and $800 per day.
Long-Term Residential Care	60 to 90 days of care may cost up to twice as much as a 30-day treatment program.
Basic Residential Treatment	Costs between $2,000 and $20,000, including in-depth assessments and 24/7 supervision.
Buprenorphine-Assisted Treatment	Costs about $5,980 per year, including medication and two weekly visits.
Insurance Coverage (ACA)	Health insurance must cover at least part of rehab costs; some insurance companies pay up to 90% of charges.
Cost Variation Factors	Treatment costs vary based on health care coverage, state of insurance purchase, treatment provider, and personal needs.
Medication Management	Additional fees for medication management services from a nurse qualified to dispense prescriptions such as methadone and buprenorphine.
U.S. Department of Defense Report	Estimated annual costs: $6,552 for methadone-assisted treatment, $5,980 for buprenorphine-assisted treatment, and $14,112 for naltrexone-assisted treatment (2016 report).
Financial Negotiation	Treatment centers can help negotiate terms with your insurance company to reduce your financial burden.
Cost vs. Quality Belief	High cost does not necessarily mean better treatment; many affordable treatment centers offer effective and sophisticated care.
Upscale Rehabs	Luxury rehabs may cost over $25,000 for 30 days and offer appealing amenities but may not be covered by insurance; effectiveness is key, not just amenities.
Insurance Limitations	Insurance might refuse to pay for luxury rehabs if costs exceed the national average or if comparable less expensive options are available.

Are Swanky Drug Rehabs Better?

Many people believe that the more expensive something is, the better it is. No one can say for sure where that idea came from, but it doesn’t make much sense.

There are many treatment centers across the country that offer affordable, effective and sophisticated treatment for drug addiction. With so many resources available, everyone who wants rehab should be able to have it without losing an arm or a leg in the bargain.

Facilities offering drug rehab services vary by cost as well. In general, the fancier the rehab and the more bells and whistles it has to offer, the higher the price you will pay. A posh rehab might cost you over $25,000 for only 30 days of inpatient treatment.

That is not to say that expensive rehabs are ineffective. In fact, many of them are highly successful. The point is that you can get excellent care from a less expensive drug rehab program just as easily.

If you choose a luxury rehab, your insurance company might refuse to pay. They might claim that your total costs exceeded the national average. They may also say that you could have gone to a less expensive rehab where the services were just as good.

Upscale rehabs are often located in remote scenic areas and offer a variety of appealing amenities. However, the true value of any Florida drug rehab is the effectiveness of the treatment it offers. A swanky rehab that caters to your every need might a lot of fun, but it won’t help you stay sober after you leave.

How Long Does Rehab Take? Do Extended Stays Cost More?

The longer you stay in rehab, the higher your total treatment costs will be. Short-term stays between 28 and 30 days are presently the norm.

However, the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) tells us that longer rehab stays correlate with more successful treatment outcomes. Researchers have learned that inpatient stays of 90 days or more give clients a rare opportunity to explore the underlying dynamics driving their addictions.

In many cases, you can get an extended stay by paying a fee. As long as your health care team believes you are making good progress in recovery, qualifying for a longer stay and getting your insurance company to cover it should not pose a problem.

The amount of time needed to identify what’s fueling your addiction will determine how long your inpatient treatment should last. Long-term care gives you a chance to focus on recovery issues without having to deal with the stresses and distractions of daily life.

Although treatment duration affects the cost of drug rehab in Florida, other factors play a role as well. The length and severity of your addiction and the drugs you’re addicted to are factored into the total treatment equation to ensure that you receive optimal care.

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Is Free, But Does It Work?

AA is self-supporting through its own contributions. It won’t ask you for money, but you can throw a dollar in the collection basket if you wish. The money covers rent for the meeting room and essential supplies like coffee, sugar, and creamer.

If you’re looking for safe, effective, and affordable drug rehab, scientists will tell you that AA works. It’s also free, and according to the latest research, it works better than anything else.

A Stanford researcher and his two colleagues recently conducted an exhaustive review of the literature measuring the effectiveness of AA 12-step programs. The investigators found that the fellowship helps more people stay sober than therapy.

The researchers found 57 studies about AA. Thirty-five passed rigorous criteria for quality. Effectiveness was assessed using five measures:

• Length of sobriety
• Reduction in drinking
• Continuation of drinking
• Consequences of drinking
• Health care costs

In studies measuring abstinence, AA was more effective than other interventions and better than no intervention at all. One study found AA to be 60 percent more effective. No studies suggested that AA was less effective.

All of the studies in the literature review involved treatment for alcoholism. There were no studies that reviewed the effectiveness of Narcotics Anonymous (NA) as a treatment for drug addiction.

The researchers who conducted the review believe that NA is probably at least somewhat as effective as AA in helping people to stay clean.

Studies that measured treatment costs revealed that AA participation resulted in considerable cost savings and an overall reduction in mental health costs of $10,000 per person. The findings were consistent across different population groups and throughout five different countries.

Based on the literature reviews they conducted, Keith Humphreys, PhD, and his fellow researchers determined that AA was almost always more effective than psychotherapy in helping alcoholics to stay sober. Many studies reported that AA participation also reduced health care costs overall.

Humphreys believes that AA works because it’s based on human interaction. The only requirement for membership is a desire to stop drinking. Members support each other, and they cheer each other on. In AA, even one day of sobriety is something to celebrate.

Indeed, many groups celebrate anniversaries every month with a big birthday cake and, of course, plenty of coffee.

Members check in with each other regularly, even if it’s just to say hello. Someone is always available to talk when you’re sure you’re losing it. Participants share sober tips with each other and provide emotional support and unconditional love.

Recovery can be as much fun as it is therapeutic when you spend your time with other recovering people. If your goal is to get clean and stay clean, hang out with people who have gotten clean and are staying clean and do exactly what they do.

Don’t let a lack of health insurance stop you from getting the help you need. Call Allure Detox now to learn more about your treatment options and what we can do to help you reach your goals.

FAQ

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Published on: 2022-05-13
Updated on: 2024-09-23