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Tag: Alcoholism

Alcoholism is, broadly, any drinking of alcohol that results in significant mental or physical health problems.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Sleeping Pills

Sleep is one of the basic needs of a human being to survive. How much and how good you sleep can affect your mental and physical health and your everyday functioning, such as your productivity, emotional balance, brain and heart health, immune system, creativity, vitality, and even your weight—so many health benefits from just lying around and doing nothing.

It is said that adults need 7 – 9 hours of sleep, but most of us don’t get the minimum, and we don’t even know that we are sleep-deprived. We might think it is normal to be sleepy in the afternoon or during a boring meeting, but this is true only if we are sleep-deprived. We might not even remember what it feels like to be fully awake and fully alert.

For some, we may have a hard time falling asleep and staying asleep, which is often called insomnia. Simple lifestyle changes can help with getting to sleep and staying asleep. Such changes as exercise, no alcohol, or nicotine can continually improve a person’s sleep cycle and prevent insomnia. If these simple lifestyle changes don’t seem to work and lack of sleep or insomnia is severe. It is starting to affect your everyday life and health; consulting your physician may be needed to suggest a sleeping pill for a short-term solution.

Withdrawal Symptoms from Sleeping Pills

There are Many Types of Sleeping Pills

The range of sleeping pills includes supplements and over-the-counter (OTC), and prescription drugs. Over-the-counter and prescription drugs should not be taken for the long term because they can lead to dependence and the opposite effect when you stop taking them.

Supplements such as melatonin and valerian root are natural and sometimes used in pill form, teas, or food. These do not lead to dependency.

Many over–the–counter drugs are often as sleeping pills:

  • Diphenhydramine, found in Benadryl, Advil PM, etc., is a sedating antihistamine. Side effects might include daytime drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision, constipation, and urinary retention.
  • Doxylamine succinate, found in Unisom SleepTabs, is also a sedating antihistamine with the same side effects as Diphenhydramine. Both should not be used long-term, can cause dependency, and have the opposite effect when not taken.

Commonly used sleeping pills that your physician may prescribe include:

  • Ambien® (zolpidem tartrate)
  • Dalmane® (flurazepam hydrochloride)
  • Halcion® (triazolam)
  • Lunesta® (eszopiclone)
  • Prosom® (estazolam)
  • Restoril® (temazepam)
  • Rozerem® (ramelteon)
  • Silenor® (doxepin)
  • Sonata® (zaleplon)
  • Desyrel® (trazodone)
  • Belsomra® (suvorexant)

If used over a long period of time, there can be some serious health problems that can occur, such as:

  • Memory problems
  • Mental and behavioral disorders
  • Learning problems
  • Worsening of insomnia symptoms beyond their baseline when the pills are discontinued

If you or a loved one have been on sleeping pills for an extended period of time, have an addiction, and are trying to get off them, you may experience very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. The symptoms can be intense but vary from person to person, just like any substance, on how long they have been taking it and the severity of the addiction. Some of these symptoms can become life-threatening; therefore, medical detox is recommended.

Common sleeping pill withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Body spasms
  • Seizures
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety
  • Drug cravings
  • Irritability
  • Depression
  • Confusion
  • Sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Help With Sleeping Pill Addiction

If you or a loved one are looking for help with a sleeping pill addiction, then you’ve come to the right place. At Allure Detox, the first requirement of our detox center is that it protects the health and safety of its patients.  This is the least that substance abusers and their families should expect from a decent facility.  Without these protections in place, the detox doesn’t serve a purpose in the recovery process.  Patient safety should be an ironclad guarantee.

When it comes to Allure Detox, we provide much more than the bare minimum.  Of course, we help clients stop using safely – that’s just a given.  Almost as important as that, though, is that we offer clients the foundation for a lifetime of relief and recovery. That’s the Allure Detox promise: that patients leave our care with more than good health at their disposal. Our focus is on minimizing your withdrawal symptoms to a comfortable level while beginning the comprehensive treatment process that will keep you sober.

Published on: 2019-11-07
Updated on: 2024-09-23

I’m Addicted to Suboxone, Now What?

Despite the wide range of accessible therapeutic treatment programs throughout the United States, Suboxone has quickly become the preferred method of treating opioid addiction. For many, this is an unfortunate reality, seeing as Suboxone addiction can be just as devastating as addiction to heroin or other opioids.

If you have been struggling with Suboxone dependence, you may be feeling hopeless. “If this doesn’t work, then what will?” The good news is, there are numerous alternatives – all of which are more successful in helping opioid addicts maintain long-term sobriety. Suboxone addiction is not a joke, and while it can be a successful opioid replacement therapy, you’re really just substituting one substance for another.

Addicted to Suboxone

How to deal with Suboxone addiction?

Dealing with Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone) addiction requires a comprehensive and multifaceted approach. Suboxone is commonly used to treat opioid dependence, but it itself can be misused and lead to dependence. Here are steps to address Suboxone addiction:

1. Seek Professional Help

  • Medical Evaluation: Consult with a healthcare provider or addiction specialist to assess the severity of the addiction and develop an appropriate treatment plan.
  • Detoxification: Undergo medically supervised detox to safely manage withdrawal symptoms.

2. Tapering Off Suboxone

  • Gradual Reduction: Work with a healthcare provider to gradually reduce the dose of Suboxone to minimize withdrawal symptoms and reduce dependence.
  • Monitoring: Regular monitoring by a healthcare provider to adjust the tapering schedule as needed and address any issues that arise.

3. Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)

  • Alternative Medications: If necessary, alternative medications such as methadone or naltrexone may be used to support the transition off Suboxone.
  • Symptom Management: Medications to manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.

4. Behavioral Therapies

  • Counseling: Individual or group counseling to address the psychological aspects of addiction.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): A therapy that helps change negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with addiction.
  • Motivational Interviewing: A counseling approach that helps individuals find the motivation to change and commit to the treatment plan.

5. Support Groups

  • 12-Step Programs: Participation in groups like Narcotics Anonymous (NA) for peer support and accountability.
  • Non-12-Step Programs: Alternatives like SMART Recovery that focus on self-management and recovery training.

6. Lifestyle Changes

  • Healthy Routine: Establishing a healthy daily routine with regular exercise, nutritious diet, and sufficient sleep.
  • Avoiding Triggers: Identifying and avoiding situations, people, or places that trigger the urge to use Suboxone.
  • Stress Management: Techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and yoga to manage stress and prevent relapse.

7. Long-Term Follow-Up

  • Ongoing Support: Regular follow-up appointments with healthcare providers to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
  • Relapse Prevention: Strategies and support systems in place to prevent relapse and maintain long-term recovery.

8. Family and Social Support

  • Involvement of Loved Ones: Educating family and friends about Suboxone addiction and involving them in the recovery process.
  • Supportive Environment: Creating a supportive and understanding home environment to facilitate recovery.

Addressing Suboxone addiction requires a comprehensive approach involving medical, psychological, and social support. It’s important to seek professional help and follow a structured treatment plan tailored to individual needs.

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone is the brand name for a medication containing naloxone and buprenorphine. Naloxone is used to help reverse the effects of opioids, meaning that the feelings of elation, relaxation, and numbness that typically go hand-in-hand with opioid abuse will be eliminated. Those who use opioid narcotics are almost always doing so to experience the “high” – if the high is elusive, drug use will seem far less appealing.

Additionally, buprenorphine acts as an opioid agonist, which essentially reduces the urge to use and diminishes symptoms of withdrawal. Whereas most other opioid replacement medications must be prescribed in an inpatient treatment center by addiction specialists, Suboxone can be prescribed by a standard physician.

How Does Suboxone Addiction Begin?

The issue with Suboxone as a treatment for opioid addiction is simply that it can be highly addictive itself. Misuse of this specific medication can lead to physical and psychological dependence. If an individual is prone to substance abuse (which they undoubtedly are if they are being treated for opioid addiction), it is best to steer clear of this prescription medication. Still, many ‘recovering’ addicts have prescribed Suboxone, and when misused… the results can be devastating.

Treatment for Suboxone Addiction

Some consider Suboxone treatment nothing more than “trading one addiction with another.” If the medication is abused, it will inevitably turn out to be just that. If you find that you are struggling with this addiction, help is available. As is the case with almost every drug addiction treatment program, medically monitored detox is a necessary first step. Once an individual has safely undergone withdrawals from Suboxone, he or she must immediately enter into a residential treatment program. Inpatient treatment will last for between 3 and 6 months and will consist predominantly of individual and group therapy.

The main benefit of inpatient treatment is allowing newly sober individuals the support and structure they need to begin down the road of long-term recovery. If you have been struggling with Suboxone addiction, you may be feeling confused, seeing as this specific drug is marketed as a “cure” (or at the very least, an aid) to help cure other “more serious” addictions. In truth, Suboxone addiction is very serious, and it must be treated just the same as other opioid dependencies.

Allure Detox and Treatment for Suboxone Addiction

Fortunately, there are numerous alternatives to treatment with Suboxone that don’t include eventually dealing with the Suboxone addiction itself once you’re ready to come off Suboxone – among the most popular being intensive, therapeutic inpatient rehab. We at Allure Detox will help you or your loved one find the right treatment center to suit all of your personal needs. Many heroin addicts (and those addicted to other opioids) have maintained long-term recovery with the assistance of rehab and long-term outpatient treatment – usually by means of continued therapy and regular attendance at a 12-step program (such as Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous).

We at Allure Detox understand the seriousness of Suboxone addiction, and our team of licensed and dedicated professionals is here to help. If you or someone close to you has been struggling with Suboxone addiction or dependency, please feel free to give us a call today. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

FAQ

  • Can you become addicted to Suboxone?
  • How to detox from suboxone?
  • How long does it take to get addicted to suboxone?

Published on: 2019-10-16
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Dangers of Mixing Uppers & Downers

Today you can get drugs for just about anything. If you want to be happy, there’s one to make you happy; if you want one to feel less tired, they have that too. There are essentially seven different drug types, each with its characteristics, effects, and dangers. Categories include stimulants, depressants, hallucinogens, dissociatives, opioids, inhalants, and cannabis.

Dangers of Mixing Uppers and Downers

With so many drugs out there, are they classified and separated in some way? The answer is YES. There are seven different drug types, and each has its own set of effects and risks:

  • Stimulants
  • Depressants
  • Hallucinogens
  • Dissociatives
  • Opioids
  • Inhalants
  • Cannabis
  • Stimulants

Mixing drugs from these different categories can have devastating effects on the body. Today we are talking about the dangers of mixing stimulants (uppers) and depressants (downers).

Stimulants

Stimulants (or “uppers”) impact the body’s central nervous system (CNS), causing the user to feel as if they are “speeding up.” These drugs increase the user’s alertness, pumping up heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and blood glucose levels.

Stimulants often come in pill form but are also consumed via snorting or even as food and drink. For example, caffeine is found in many beverages, and cocaine is a powder that is snorted.

Examples of stimulants include:

  • Adderall
  • Ritalin
  • Synthetic Marijuana
  • Cocaine
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ecstasy
  • Caffeine

Depressants

Like stimulants, depressants also impact the body’s CNS, but with the opposite effect, making users feel as if things are “slowing down.” Thus, they are often called “downers” on the street.

Doctors prescribe some depressants for anxiety, insomnia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other medical issues that prevent the sufferer from thoroughly relaxing. These drugs often offer a sedative experience to users, making them an attractive choice for teens who wish to escape everyday stresses.

Examples of depressants include:

  • Rohypnol
  • Barbiturates
  • Xanax
  • Valium
  • Benzodiazepines

Alcohol is also considered a depressant, and believe it or not, Tobacco.

It is known that people often take downers to reduce undesirable effects from stimulant drugs, and an individual might take an upper to come out of a sedate state. Some people think this is a logical way to reduce the adverse effects of these drugs, but it increases the damage and risks.

The use of  multiple drugs at one time is frequently seen; the 2011 Drug Abuse Warning Network (DAWN) report lists several relevant findings, including the following:

  • Alcohol is present in 38% of all medical emergencies involving stimulants.
  • Fifty-six percent of all medical emergencies involved multiple drugs, and Fifty-three percent involved various prescription medications.
  • Sixty-six percent of all non-emergency detox requests involved various drugs.

Many people will take a depressant to come down from a stimulant high and possibly to fall asleep, while others seeking a particular euphoric high might intentionally combine uppers and downers such as shooting a speedball (cocaine and heroin). Dangerous drug mixes can also happen unintentionally with people who take medication for pain, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and anxiety, especially if they drink while on these drugs. A legal yet dangerous combination of uppers and downers is alcohol and energy drinks.

There are Other Health Risks Beside Overdose

In addition to potentially fatal overdoses, upper-downer combinations involve several other health risks, including the following:

  • The mix minimizes the symptoms of each substance, creating the illusion that users are more in control than they are.
  • The stimulant effects often motivate the user to continue partying for more extended periods and underestimate their intoxication level.
  • Uppers might mask warning signs that a CNS depression is occurring, while downers might mask a dangerously rapid heartbeat.
  • The physical fatigue from taking conflicting drugs strains multiple systems in the body.

Allure Detox is a New Way to Start Your Life Again

Allure Detox is here to help if you are struggling with polydrug abuse. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.

Published on: 2019-09-16
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can You Exercise During Drug Detox?

Substance use disorders are associated with a wide range of short and long-term health effects. They can vary depending on the type of drug, how much and how often it’s taken, and the person’s general health. Overall, the effects of drug abuse and dependence can be widespread, and they can impact almost every system in the human body. Since active addiction is so destructive to the body, is it recommended to exercise during drug detox? Let’s explore this subject so that we can all be better informed. Also, please remember that it’s always advised to consult with a physician before beginning any exercise program.

Can You Exercise During Drug Detox

Side effects of drug addiction may include:

  • A weakened immune system, increasing the risk of illness and infection
  • Heart conditions ranging from abnormal heart rates to heart attacks and collapsed veins and blood vessel infections from injected drugs
  • Nausea and abdominal pain, which can also lead to changes in appetite and weight loss
  • Increased strain on the liver, which puts the person at risk of significant liver damage or liver failure
  • Seizures, stroke, mental confusion, and brain damage
  • Lung disease
  • Problems with memory, attention, and decision-making, which make daily living more difficult
  • Global effects of drugs on the body, such as breast development in men and increases in body temperature, can lead to other health problems

Substance use disorders can also lead to multiple behavioral problems, both in the short and long-term, which can include:

  • Paranoia
  • Aggressiveness
  • Hallucinations
  • Addiction
  • Impaired Judgment
  • Impulsiveness
  • Loss of Self Control

Drug abuse has serious consequences, such as missed work, punishable offenses, accidents, and injuries. Alcohol and drugs are often the reason for many offenses leading to jail time.

After one is ready to surrender and turn their lives around, one of the first steps is usually detox, if one has been using for a long continuous period of time. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIH):

Medical detoxification safely manages the acute physical symptoms of withdrawal associated with stopping drug use. However, medical detoxification is only the first stage of addiction treatment and by itself does little to change long-term drug use. Although detoxification alone is rarely sufficient to help addicts achieve long-term abstinence, for some individuals it is a strongly indicated precursor to effective drug addiction treatment.

There are many different forms of detox and length of stay. Withdrawal is a part of the detox and varies among individuals depending on the drug used and the size. Withdrawal symptoms can affect a person physically, mentally, or emotionally. Going through withdrawal is a complex process and is dealt with in many practical ways.

Physical activity has numerous health benefits for people recovering from a substance use disorder. Regular exercise can reduce stress, increase self-confidence, improve both physical and mental health, but can you exercise during the drug detox process? Yes, it helps and lessens withdrawal symptoms and immediately reverses the physical and psychological harm done while in active addiction. But the exercise should be very light and not intensive because your body is regulating itself from drug abuse during this time.

Exercise is Great for Your Body

Light exercise under the guidance and supervision of clinicians is one of the best ways to improve your physical and mental health during the recovery and detox from drug or alcohol addiction. In addition to strengthening your muscles and bones, it can help reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases such as heart attack and stroke. It can also decrease the chances of developing Type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and certain cancers.

While rehab is effective, it does not guarantee sobriety. People in recovery deal with various stressors that can result in drug or alcohol use, including triggers and cravings. Many people who complete treatment experience relapse.

But physical activity can assist people striving to maintain sobriety. Whether it involves walking around the neighborhood, running through a park, or playing recreational sports at a nearby gym, exercise can provide physical and mental relief to those battling stress during the detox process.

Allure Detox is a New Way to Start Your Life Again

Allure Detox is here to help addicts and alcoholics that want to detox safely. We are a comfortable and evidence-based drug and alcohol detox in West Palm Beach, Florida. We can free you or your loved one from the physical symptoms of addiction and start you on the path to recovery. We offer detox from drugs and alcohol on a medical basis so that you can safely resume the life you once lived, the life you thought was lost forever. Addicts emerge from Allure Detox healthy, sane, and prepared for a lifetime of recovery. Don’t hesitate to contact us today if you or someone you love is suffering the pain of addiction.

Published on: 2019-09-04
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Does Narcan Always Work?

Narcan is a life-saving drug that stops the deadly effects of opiates on a person who is experiencing an accidental overdose, thus saving them from dying. When a person overdoses on opioid drugs like heroin, fentanyl, or prescription pain pills such as Vicodin, Percocet, or Dilaudid, their breathing slows or stops, and oxygen is limited. This means their heart and brain begin to stop functioning, causing death. A person overdosing from opiate-based drugs will not move and appear in deep sleep or unconscious. Their lips and skin will be gray or blue, and their breathing will be limited. These symptoms of overdoses are reversed when a dose of Narcan is administered.

Narcan is the name brand used for Naloxone; Naloxone is a medication designed to stop an opioid overdose quickly. It is an opioid antagonist—meaning that it binds to opioid receptors and can reverse and block the effects of other opioids. As a life-saving medication, Narcan restores normal breathing and consciousness to a person who may be close to dying because of the potency of the opiate drug they took to get high. Narcan is administered as an intramuscular injection in the thigh, hip, or upper arm, or it can be sprayed into the nose with a nasal spray.

Does Narcan Always Work

Is Narcan always effective?

Narcan (naloxone) is highly effective in reversing opioid overdoses, but it does not always work in every situation. Here are some important points to consider:

Effectiveness:

  1. Opioid-Specific: Narcan is effective only for opioid overdoses. It will not reverse overdoses from other substances like alcohol, benzodiazepines, or stimulants.
  2. Dosage and Timing: The effectiveness of Narcan depends on the dose administered and the timing. Multiple doses may be needed if the person has taken a high amount of opioids or long-acting opioids.
  3. Severity of Overdose: In cases of severe overdose, especially involving potent opioids like fentanyl, Narcan may need to be administered multiple times, and immediate medical attention is crucial.

Limitations:

  1. Underlying Health Conditions: If the individual has other severe health issues or complications, Narcan may be less effective or may not fully revive them without further medical intervention.
  2. Polysubstance Use: If the person has ingested a combination of drugs, Narcan will only address the opioid component of the overdose.

Key Considerations:

  1. Emergency Response: Narcan is a temporary solution. Even if it successfully reverses the overdose, it is essential to seek emergency medical help immediately, as the effects can wear off, leading to the risk of re-overdose.
  2. Availability: Having Narcan accessible and knowing how to use it can save lives, but it is not a substitute for comprehensive addiction treatment and support.

While Narcan is a critical tool in combating opioid overdoses and can be life-saving, it is not infallible and should be used as part of a broader emergency response and treatment strategy.

How to Get Narcan for an Opiate Overdose

Narcan is available with or without a prescription, depending on the state that you’re in. All emergency responders, schools, government offices, medical facilities, and private or public organizations that support addiction recovery often have access to Narcan. Many employers and other private businesses also make Narcan available in case of an accidental overdose at work. It has become a lot more known in recent years as the opioid epidemic continues to ravage the country.

Narcan Doesn’t Always Work On All Opiates.

The question on many addicts’ minds is…does Narcan always work? Unfortunately, a new dangerous drug on the street affects all drug addicts, not just heroin and opiate addicts, that one dose of Narcan cannot always reverse. This dangerous drug is undeniably Fentanyl. Fentanyl is a potent synthetic opiate added to heroin, cocaine, methamphetamines, and mixed with Ecstasy and other club drugs. The reality of Fentanyl is that it kills many people…and very quickly. Accidental overdoses occur even when a  person does not decide to take an opioid drug intentionally.

The potency of Fentanyl is why this drug is so dangerous. Drug dealers and addicts may not realize how much of the drug they are adding to other drugs, making it a deadly dose of cocaine, meth, or tab of ecstasy. Fentanyl is 50 to 100 times stronger than morphine, and it takes to kill a person is very small. Therefore, Fentanyl overdoses are the most likely to require repeated doses of Narcan to stop the effects of the Fentanyl on the user’s body.

Another essential fact about Narcan is that it will reverse the effects of all opiates, but one dose of Narcan may not be enough depending on how much of an opiate the person has taken. As in the case of Fentanyl overdoses and other potent opiate-based narcotics, Narcan often has to be repeatedly administered to begin reversing the effects. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) reveals that very high doses of opiate drugs in a person’s body may limit Narcan’s ability to stop an overdose.

“Naloxone alone may be inadequate if someone has taken large quantities of opioids, very potent opioids, or long-acting opioids. For this reason, call 911 immediately for every overdose situation.” (CDC).

However, the current research on Narcan proves that it is reducing mortality and THK’s or take-home kits are now of interest by the medical field. A recent systematic review conducted by McDonald and Strang (2016) noted:

“When communities were compared that implemented THKs versus no THKs and their findings indicate decreased overdose deaths in communities with THKs…It can be viewed as unethical to withhold naloxone, a known lifesaving medication for those experiencing an opioid overdose.” (McDonald, Strang)

THK’s are effective and should be prescribed to the following persons who are at risk for an accidental overdose, per the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS):

If you or someone you know meets any of the following criteria, there is an elevated risk for an opioid overdose:

  • Misusing prescription opioids (like oxycodone) or using heroin or illicit synthetic opioids (like fentanyl or carfentanil).
  • An opioid use disorder, especially those completing opioid detoxification or being discharged from treatment that does not include ongoing use of methadone, buprenorphine, or naltrexone.
  • Being recently discharged from emergency medical care following an opioid overdose.
  • Being recently released from incarceration with a history of opioid misuse or opioid use disorder.

It should be noted that, in addition to the above patient populations, patients taking opioids as prescribed for long-term management of chronic pain, especially those with higher doses of prescription opioids or those taking prescription opioids along with alcohol or other sedating medications, such as benzodiazepines (anxiety or insomnia medications), are also at elevated risk for an overdose.” (HHS).

Those at risk for an opioid overdose should seek out addiction treatment immediately. Every second in active addiction makes it more challenging to find the courage to reach out for help.

Narcan Can Still Be Effective with a Fentanyl Overdose

Although Narcan may have to be repeatedly administered to prevent a fatal overdose, the effectiveness of Narcan overall is excellent. If you or your loved one are addicted to opiates and are ready for recovery, Allure Detox in West Palm Beach, Florida, has a specific opiate drug detoxification regimen. Please remember that not all opioids have the same potency. Therefore a person addicted to Fentanyl versus a person addicted to a low dose of Percocet will require a different detoxification approach.

To be admitted within 24 hours into our inpatient West Palm Beach detox center, the first step is to speak with one of our representatives. They will make all the arrangements for your journey to lasting sobriety.

Published on: 2019-08-15
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Kennedy Granddaughter Dies of Drug Overdose

Robert F. Kennedy’s 22 year old granddaughter Saoirse Kennedy-Hill has been found dead on the Kennedy compound in Hyannis, Massachusetts. Unconfirmed reports indicate a drug overdose.  Yet another tragic event has struck the storied Kennedy family dynasty, that has included a president and many senators. The family is shocked and saddened by her loss, and issued a statement:

“Our hearts are shattered by the loss of our beloved Saoirse. Her life was filled with hope, promise and love. She cared deeply about friends and family, especially her mother Courtney, her father Paul, her stepmother Stephanie, and her grandmother Ethel, who said, ‘The world is a little less beautiful today.’ She lit up our lives with her love, her peals of laughter and her generous spirit. Saoirse was passionately moved by the causes of human rights and women’s empowerment and found great joy in volunteer work, working alongside indigenous communities to build schools in Mexico. We will love her and miss her forever.”

When family members found Ms. Kennedy-Hill unresponsive, emergency responders were called to the scene.  She was taken to the local hospital in Cape Cod but it was too late. Her short yet storied life included graduating from Boston College with a major in communications and being vice president of the College Democrats. Saoirse also had a passion for helping others, and found great joy in the topics of women’s empowerment, human rights, and did a lot of volunteer work.

Kennedy Granddaughter Death

Saoirse Kennedy-Hill Drug Overdose Death

Addiction does not discriminate and can affect anyone, regardless of your socioeconomic status or what family you’re from. This death adds to the list of fatal tragedies that have affected the Kennedy family. This has made some observers announce for many years that there is a “Kennedy family curse”.

President Kennedy and Senator Robert F. Kennedy were both slain by assassins. Their brother Joseph P. Kennedy Jr. was killed in World War II, and their sister Kathleen Cavendish died in a plane crash in 1948. The president’s son, John F. Kennedy Jr., was killed in 1999 when the airplane he was flying crashed into the Atlantic Ocean.

The Kennedy’s have also been affected by substance abuse before. Ms. Kennedy Hill’s uncle David Anthony Kennedy, who struggled with alcohol and drug addiction and was found dead in 1984 in a hotel in Palm Beach, Florida. If you or a loved one struggle with addiction, it’s important to reach out for help before it’s too late. Many individuals overdose and paramedics don’t arrive in time or are unable to revive them, which is what happened to Saoirse Kennedy-Hill.

FAQ

  • Was Robert Kennedy Jr (RFK) a heroin addict?

Published on: 2019-08-02
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Cocaine and Ketamine: Calvin Klein Club Drug

When you hear the words, Calvin Klein, you think of the fashion house, but now the brand name has taken on a new moniker in the dark underworld of drug addiction. The New York Post recently reported how there is a new cocktail drug killing our youth and that it tragically took the life of a young violinist who was a musical prodigy.

The drug has become known as the ‘Calvin Klein’ drug because it goes by the initials’ CK,’ referencing the brand. CK is a cocktail drug that is a mixture of cocaine and ketamine. It’s being used in the club scene by young people and has become a lethal combination with deadly consequences. The young violinist died from an accidental overdose of the drug in London on Thursday, July 11th, 2019. Her death raised awareness about polydrug abuse when you combine two or more drugs for a dangerous high. Mixing multiple medications for a more substantial effect makes it that much easier to overdose.

Cocaine and Ketamine

Calvin Klein is now a dangerous club drug.

Authorities did not see the Calvin Klein drug craze coming as they struggled to deal with the situation. As reported by the New York Post, “Katya Tsukanova, 17, a leading musician in the UK, died of an apparent overdose from a cocaine and ketamine drug cocktail — just days after performing at the Royal Opera House in the city”. This news has prompted further investigation of how dangerous this drug is. Although more evidence is needed in how cocaine and ketamine combined affect a person’s brain, there is research on the two drugs separately.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse, NIDA, classifies ketamine as a dissociative drug similar to hallucinogens. NIDA states that the reason people take dissociative drugs is to:

“enable them to enter into what they perceive as a more enlightened sense of thinking or being” (NIDA).

Additionally, from NIDA,

“Ketamine—also known as K, Special K, or cat Valium—is a dissociative currently used as an anesthetic for humans as well as animals. Much of the ketamine sold on the street has been diverted from veterinary offices. Although it is manufactured as an injectable liquid, ketamine is generally evaporated to form a powder that is snorted or compressed into pills for illicit use.” (NIDA)

Cocaine is considered a stimulant drug, and when added to ketamine, it likely increases the effect of Ketamine. Historically, cocaine has been mixed with many other drugs to enhance their impact. It is commonly mixed with heroin, methamphetamine, and alcohol. Tsukanova was a victim of the lethal effects of both drugs. The New York Post reported that her father, Igor Tsukanova, said his daughter was a “smart girl, and she made one bad choice.” (NY Post)

The CK drug is a popular club drug, and like other club drugs, it may continue to take lives as it continues to be sold. The DEA currently does not acknowledge the drug cocktail CK as a specific drug type but references cocaine and ketamine in their drug schedules. The DEA scheduled drugs according to how dangerous they are “Drugs, substances, and certain chemicals used to make drugs are classified into five (5) distinct categories or schedules depending upon the drug’s acceptable medical use and the drug’s abuse or dependency potential… the abuse rate is a determinate factor in the scheduling of the drug; for example, Schedule I drugs have a high potential for abuse and the potential to create severe psychological and physical dependence.” (DEA). Currently, Cocaine is listed with the DEA as a schedule II drug and Ketamine a schedule III.

Deadly Ketamine and Cocaine Mix: Calvin Klein Club Drug

If you suspect a loved one of abusing drugs, it’s best to reach out for help as soon as possible. The fact that a young violinist died accidentally from the mixture of cocaine and ketamine is tragic. Although most experiences with dangerous drugs do not end well, cases like this are very saddening and force us to examine what our younger generations are doing when they get together.

Becoming involved and educated about the types of drugs available in clubs and on the street is a starting point. Additionally, adults must look for warning signs and behaviors that indicate drug use and abuse, as well as supporting laws that will limit the accessibility of these drugs to be bought over the web and by illegal prescription, as in the case of ketamine. Allure Detox is an Inpatient Detox and Residential Treatment Center that is ready to assist men, women, and families affected by the substance abuse scourge.

Summary

TL;DR: “Calvin Klein” is a slang term for the combination of cocaine and ketamine when used recreationally.

FAQ

  • What is lemo drug?
  • How does Cocaine and Ketamine interact physiologically?
  • What are the LD50 of Cocaine and Ketamine separately and together?
  • What are the causes and symptoms of Cocaine and Ketamine abuse?

Published on: 2019-07-15
Updated on: 2024-09-23

Can You Die From Benzo Withdrawal?

The question on many people’s minds is: can benzo withdrawal kill you? Yes, people have died as a result of withdrawal complications from the extended use of benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines are sedative drugs generally prescribed to treat insomnia, anxiety, panic attacks, and a host of mental health conditions. Benzodiazepines also referred to as benzos, are very lethal when combined with alcohol or opioids.

Can You Die From Benzodiazepine Withdrawal

Statistics released by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) indicated that between 1999 and 2017, overdose deaths involving benzodiazepines increased from 1,135 to 11,537. According to the same source, the number of deaths in the United States due to combining benzodiazepines with other synthetic narcotics has been on the rise since 2014.

Commonly abused benzos include Xanax (Alprazolam), Valium (Diazepam), Klonopin (Clonazepam), and Ativan (Lorazepam). The number of adults prescribed benzodiazepines continues to increase despite its potency for misuse and addiction. Between 1996 and 2013, the number of benzodiazepine prescriptions filled by adults in the United States rose from 8.1 million to 13.5 million, a 67% increase over previous years. As a result, emergency room visits are standard when people run out of benzos or become severely addicted, fatal if left untreated.

TL;DR: Yes, severe benzodiazepine withdrawal can be life-threatening and lead to complications like seizures, which, if not managed, can be fatal.

How Benzodiazepines Work In the Body

Benzos belong to a class of drugs known as Central Nervous System (CNS) depressants. When taken into the body, benzodiazepines become active within minutes of entering the bloodstream. They slow down the brain’s activity, exhibiting a calming or sedative effect on users’ bodies by increasing the level of the inhibitory neurotransmitter, known as gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

When benzos are mixed with other narcotics such as opiates, it carries a very high risk of overdose death because both drugs act as sedatives and suppress breathing. Additionally, a combination of both medications negatively impairs cognitive functions. Bezo withdrawal can kill you if it’s not safely and clinically tapered dosages.

Symptoms of Benzodiazepine Overdose

Benzodiazepine overdoses usually lead to fatal consequences. You must recognize the signs and symptoms of benzodiazepine overdose in your loved one to seek appropriate help immediately. If you notice the following signs in your loved one, they may have overdosed on benzos:

  • Blurred Vision
  • Uncontrolled muscles twitching
  • Trembling
  • Disorientation
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Confusion
  • Dizziness
  • Impaired mental coordination
  • Coma

Benzodiazepine overdose should be treated in a hospital, so it’s important to contact emergency services immediately. This could mean the difference between life and death for your loved one.

Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Symptoms

The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) describes withdrawal as a group of physical and psychological symptoms that manifest due to stopping the regular dosage of a particular drug. Withdrawal symptoms are far-ranging, and however, in almost all cases, they tend to exaggerate the very physical manifestations they were supposed to suppress.

Benzodiazepine withdrawal can result in irrepressible and fatal seizures. You should never attempt to quit using benzodiazepine suddenly or on your own. It may take weeks or even months to taper off withdrawal symptoms safely without adversely affecting your life.

The following are symptoms associated with benzodiazepine withdrawal:

  • Irritability
  • Panic attack
  • Profuse sweating
  • Increased heart rate
  • Inflated blood pressure
  • Insomnia
  • Trembling
  • Confusion
  • Heightened anxiety

Guidelines for Benzo Withdrawal Management

If you are dependent on Central Nervous System depressants such as benzodiazepines, there’s a high probability that you will experience uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms when you come off the drug.

There are standard medical and psychological guidelines for managing patients experiencing discomforts due to withdrawal symptoms, known as Withdrawal Management (WM). At Allure Detox, we have years of experience in offering world-class benzo detox treatment that minimizes unpleasant withdrawal symptoms.

Even a casual brush with benzodiazepines can lead to a chemical dependency. It’s challenging to recover from drug addiction on your own, especially without help from a detox program specializing in benzodiazepine abuse. At Allure Detox, we provide withdrawal management through medical detoxification in a systematic way. In this controlled environment, our clinical team provides the necessary support needed to cope with the discomfort felt in the detox process.

As with other psychotropic drugs, withdrawal from benzodiazepines can be pretty dangerous if handled carelessly. Depending on the length of usage and severity of your addiction, symptoms can take complex dimensions within hours of taking the last dose.

Withdrawal symptoms often progress over time, leading to possible seizures, hallucinations, confusion, Delirium Tremens, increased blood pressure, and heart rate. These symptoms are potentially life-threatening, and there have been cases of reported deaths directly due to benzo withdrawal.

Generally, the most reliable way to manage benzodiazepine withdrawal is to administer the drug in gradually decreasing amounts until the effects begin to wear off. This helps in relieving unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and prevents the onset of seizures. Other medications may be administered to reverse the effects of benzo withdrawal.

Manage Your Benzodiazepine Withdrawal Safely at Allure Detox

If you or a loved one are struggling with benzodiazepine addiction and have been delaying seeking professional help, you may be putting yourself in harm’s way. Our well-structured benzodiazepine detox program will help you come through the withdrawal phase without the usual pain and discomfort. Our team of addiction experts is available to give you 24-hours supervision throughout the whole withdrawal period. Medical detoxification has been recognized worldwide as one of the first steps in any addiction treatment program.

You must take action now to set yourself free from the grip of chemical dependence. Contact us today and start your journey to a life of sobriety without any delay. Recovery is possible for you, regardless of how long you have been addicted to benzos such as Xanax, Valium, Klonopin, or Ativan. Give your life a new turn by speaking to one of our addiction detox specialists around the clock.

Published on: 2019-02-21
Updated on: 2024-09-23

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At Allure Detox, client safety and comfort are our top priorities. From the moment you walk through our doors, you can expect a warm welcome from every member of our team. We are committed to providing exceptional drug and alcohol detox services and creating an environment that supports long-term, successful recovery.

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At Allure Detox, we recognize that facing drug and alcohol withdrawal alone can be daunting. We're here to listen, understand your challenges, and provide personalized guidance as you explore professional detox options. Our admissions team is ready to support you, whether you're seeking treatment, need advice, or just want someone to talk to.

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