Addiction Treatment Facility in Arizona

Why Choose an Addiction Treatment Facility in Arizona

If you are seeking an addiction treatment facility in Arizona, then there are plenty of options to consider.  Most of them are located in Phoenix and Tucson, but you can find others in smaller cities.  Our facility, Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, is located in Prescott Valley.

One of the steps in choosing the right addiction treatment facility is picking your location.  Deciding on whether you want to be close home or further away during your recovery is important because environmental settings can play a key role in your success.  Choosing the right addiction treatment facility is about more than just location.  You also need to find programs that are customized to individual needs that are more effective in treating the issues that lead to a person’s addiction.

Addiction in Arizona

In recent years, Arizona has had some success in its battle against substance abuse.  It still has high rates of prescription drug abuse and illicit drug abuse, especially among the state’s youth.  There many treatment centers available in the state to help fight this battle.  Arizona has an estimated 341 treatment facilities, 31 of which that offer opioid treatment programs.  There are also special programs that are available for men, women, and people who suffer from co-occurring mental health disorders, adolescents, and those who have experienced trauma.

Choosing Your Treatment and Financing Your Recovery

There are inpatient and outpatient programs available for addiction recovery.  Patients participating in inpatient treatment will reside at the recovery facility 24 hours a day.  This will allow them to maintain focus on their treatment and recovery efforts.  Outpatient programs traditionally offer the same kinds of treatment as inpatient programs, but in outpatient programs, the patient lives at home and commits to a certain number of hours per week, where they will participate in treatment.

Many people that are battling with an addiction may not have the finances or resources to stay at an addiction recovery facility for long periods.  If you are trying to determine the price of rehabilitation in Arizona, you can look at this expense in your recovery, health, and well-being.  You can find both residential and outpatient programs in Arizona.  When looking at addiction recovery centers in Arizona, you will find that there are different financial options available to you.  Some of them will accept private insurance and military insurance.  Other facilities are state-financed or have payment assistance plans for those who need it.

The state of Arizona has over 25 different drug and alcohol detox facilities Each one can help patients get through painful withdrawals when overcoming addiction.  Their services include medical and traditional detox.

Treatment centers in Arizona can help patients with different types of addiction, including substance abuse issues and drug abuse.  They generally offer 30-day programs or more extended programs that can last 60 to 90 days.

Beginning Treatment With Detoxification

Whether your addiction is drug or alcohol-related, your first step in treatment is to detox.  The recovery centers will have medical professionals on hand to monitor you during this phase and make sure you are safe.  The next step after detox is to begin therapy, whether in an individual or group setting.  The majority of the treatment centers in Arizona for alcohol and drug abuse focus on this step as the start to a patient’s path to full recovery.

The best treatment centers in Arizona will help you set a management and success plan for after you leave the facility.  This can include group support like alcoholics anonymous or engaging with your inner circle of family and friends.  This type of ongoing treatment or support plan is to help you to stay substance-free.

Treatment at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare

Long-term treatment is seen as the ideal approach for a successful recovery. But Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare understands that there can be financial and environmental obstacles that can make this difficult.  Each of our clients’ treatment plans is created with this in mind.

Once you arrive at our facility, you will see that we have a welcoming community environment where everyone is important and equally valued.  We offer treatment in three phases:

  • Phase I: Acceptance, Belonging, Community
  • Phase II: Enrollment, Commitment, Connection
  • Phase III: Reconstruction, Reintegration, Transformation

The first phase includes group and individual therapy sessions in varied environmental settings; community-based, supervised, nature immersion programming; and psychiatric evaluation on an as-needed basis.

In Phase II, you can expect ongoing clinical assessment; employment coaching and job acquisition; and volunteerism support and experience.

In Phase III, you will experience community leadership and mentorship; continued practice managing privileges and unsupervised time; and a 12-step involvement.

You can learn more about our recovery programs by contacting us today.  You or your loved one can also contact our facility and speak with one of our specialists today at 1-877-389-0412 about customizing the right treatment plan for you.

Heroin addiction prescott valley

Heroin Addiction in Prescott Valley, Arizona

The use of heroin has become more widely used, doubling between 2007 and 2012.  The effects of this drug are dangerous and can be deadly.  It is highly addictive, even if you try it only once or twice.  If you or your loved one is dealing with a heroin addiction, you do not have to fight it alone.  Our specialists at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare are right here in Prescott Valley, Arizona, and can help you win this battle.

Heroin Use

The three ways that heroin is used are:

  • Smoking
  • Snorting
  • Injecting

Most heroin users prefer the latter method of injecting because it gets them the quickest high. It is also the most dangerous method.  By injecting, you can overdose more quickly, but also be at risk of becoming infected by a contaminated needle.

Background on Heroin

Heroin originated in Mexico, Asia, and South America from a flower, the opium poppy.  It can come in the form of white or brown powder, or black tar.  In the early 1800s, French pharmacist, Friedrich Serturner discovered how to isolate morphine, one of opium’s active ingredients.

Morphine was widely used to treat pain and cure opium addiction before the discovery of its addictive properties.  Morphine was used in the United States during the American Civil War to manage pain from battle wounds.  In 1874, an English chemist, Charles Romney Alder Wright experimented with mixing morphine with different acids.  He is credited for inventing a new chemical called diacetylmorphine, or diamorphine, which is heroin.  It was similar in structure to morphine but was two to three times stronger.  Heroin is created when reacting morphine with other acids.  To put it simply, heroin is morphine with a small chemical compound added to it.

Heroin was not always known as the street drug as it is today.  Its name was first used by the pharmaceutical company, Bayer, as a brand name in 1898.  People reported having a heroic feeling after using the substance.  Bayer marketed the drug in the United States as a non-addictive pain medication. Up until the 1920s, it was prescribed to adults and children as cold medicine and for other pains.  Heroin use and misuse rose rapidly during the decades of its legal use.  The addictive substance became illegal in 1924 and is still illegal to this day.

Why Is Heroin Addictive

Heroin users take this drug for the rush of good feelings and happiness that it gives them right after taking it.  Then, for several hours after, your world begins to slow down.  Your thinking process is slower and your actions, such as walking slow down as well.  Users report that they feel like they are in a dream, protected by a blanket without worries.

That dream-like state and freedom of worries can be extremely addictive to anyone who is attempting to escape or treat anxiety and other stressors. Heroin can be uniquely addictive to individuals who have mental health issues.  An Illinois study found that 75% of users suffered from mental health conditions such as depression, ADHD, or bipolar disorder.

Effects of Heroin

Short-Term

After smoking, snorting, or injecting heroin, it enters the brain and is then converted to morphine and binds rapidly to opioid receptors.  As mentioned earlier, users will get a surge of pleasurable sensation, like a rush.  This feeling is followed by a warm flushing of the skin, dry mouth, and a heavy feeling in the extremities.  Heroin users may also experience nausea, vomiting, and severe itching.  Once the initial effects start to wear off, users will become drowsy for several hours, experiencing cloudy mental function, slower heart rate, and life-threatening slowed breathing.  When breathing is slowed down, users risk slipping into a coma and suffering from permanent brain damage or even death after an overdose.

Long-Term

Repeated heroin use can alter the physical structure and physiology of the brain, resulting in long-term imbalances in neuronal and hormonal systems that are not easily reversed.  Users risk deterioration of white matter in the brain that can affect a person’s ability to make decisions, regulate behavior, and respond to stressful situations.  Tolerance is another long-term effect when more and more of the drug is required to get the same results.  Heroin produces significant degrees of tolerance and physical dependence.  Physical dependence means that the body is accustomed to the presence of the drug, and withdrawal symptoms occur when use is drastically reduced.

Heroin withdrawal can occur shortly after the last use, often within a few hours.  Some withdrawal symptoms include:

  • Restlessness
  • Muscle and Bone Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Cold Flashes with Goose Bumps
  • Leg Movements

During the first 24-48 hours is when significant withdrawal symptoms occur, but usually, subside after about a week.  In some cases, withdrawal signs can last for many months.

Heroin Use Disorder is also an effect of heroin use.  It is defined as a chronic relapsing disease that goes beyond physical dependence and is identified by uncontrollable drug-seeking without regard for the consequences.  Once a person develops a heroin use disorder, seeking and using the drug becomes their primary purpose in life.

Changing Your Focus to Fight the Addiction

Heroin addiction is lethal, but there are a variety of treatments that can help you overcome your heroin use disorder.  Two types of effective therapies are behavioral and pharmacological.  Either one of these treatments assists with restoring a degree of normalcy to brain function and behavior, resulting in increased employment rates and a lower risk of contracting HIV and other diseases and criminal behavior.  Research shows that in many cases, the integration of both of these treatments is the most effective approach.

If you or a loved one are struggling with a heroin addiction, your focus does not have to be on getting your next high, but on ending this vicious cycle of addiction.  Contact one of our Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare specialists today at (928) 756-0694 or online by clicking here.

 

addiction treatment in Arizona

Getting Help: A Guide for Addiction Treatment and Recovery in Arizona

Picking The Right Solution

So you’ve decided that you are going to get help and are going to look for addiction rehab in Arizona. This is great, and it’s already the first step towards recovery. Therefore, your journey has already begun, since you know where you’d like to get treatment. However, before actually picking out a facility, it is important to know your options to decide which best applies to your situation.

Researching all of your options is very important, and you can’t just go with the first one you see. Every rehab center’s webpage is made to make their facilities look perfect, so of course, the first one you read about will look like the right fit for you. However, it is vital to compare centers and programs. Recent studies show that as many as 85% of users relapse within the first year after treatment, and a lot of times, that might have something to do with picking the wrong addiction rehab or program.

Furthermore, when it comes to heroin addiction, around 90% of users relapse, according to several studies in different countries. Considering the opiate epidemic and how often addiction rehabs in Arizona take in people struggling with heroin addiction, if you fit this profile, you should be extra careful to make sure you are picking the right option. Nonetheless, it is also important to keep in mind that relapsing is nothing to be ashamed about, especially considering how frequent it is – but it is something that is best to avoid.

The point is not to pick whatever program is most convenient, but to pick what will guarantee that you will be part of the group that stays sober. Getting through the first year is especially important since only half of the users tend to relapse by then. It is not about immediate help, it’s about thinking of long-term solutions because recovery takes time.

What Should You Know About Programs

As you look up your options, a few factors will differentiate each program. First, you must know what service setting is best for you. This requires deciding whether you’d need an inpatient program or an outpatient program, meaning if you’d stay in the facilities 24/7 or if you’d go only during treatment and appointment hours. There are different types of “intensities” for both of these alternatives, but this would be the first factor to consider amongst them.

Secondly, the length of treatment is another issue at hand. There are short-term programs that can be as quick as a month-long plan, or longer-term ones, which can last months, up to even 120+ days. It is important to discuss this with your health care provider and not just decide on your own which would be more appropriate for you.

Finally, you will also need to find out which “approach” can work best for your lifestyle, beliefs, and needs. What kind of therapy needs to be applied for your scenario? Would you prefer a holistic method? What type of counseling would you need? This would all depend on the factors mentioned before, as well as how into your addiction you have fallen and what your diagnosis is. Dual-diagnosis patients, for instance, would need an approach that is different than a detox patient. A lot of the user’s way of living comes into play when it comes to picking an addiction rehab and treatment, so make sure to take that into account as well when speaking to your health care provider.

Affording Addiction Rehab in Arizona

A final step is a topic that might sometimes feel like an obstacle between the user and the help they need, which is pricing. Paying for treatment can be more expensive than some can afford. However, most times, people just don’t know their options well enough and end up getting stuck on that detail when they could find a way to afford many programs in addiction rehabs in Arizona.

Step one would be to see which programs your healthcare plan can cover – and there are many.  Any mental and behavioral services are classified as essential health benefits, and therefore must be covered by insurance. If you are in Arizona, addiction rehabs can be paid for through state, federal, or private marketplace insurance plans. You can also use Medicaid should you qualify for it, but you need to know their conditions to cover treatment since it doesn’t cover every option.

If neither of those applies to your case, there are still options. Paying out of pocket is not impossible even if you do not make a lot of money – using credit cards, payment plans, or researching for sliding scale treatments can all make the damage to your bank account much smaller. Other than that, there are addiction rehab grants or scholarships that aid patients financially, or just getting the usual loan, as long as you are sure to go with the one you can actually afford.

No Excuses For Getting The Help You Need

Deciding to get help is important, but you need to take action to make it count. There are plenty of options for addiction rehab plans and facilities in Arizona for everyone and for every case scenario. As long as you follow these steps and keep them in mind as you make your decision, there is no reason to postpone your plans.

At Granite Mountain Behavioural Healthcare, we are hoping to help you no matter what your addiction is and how intense it has become. We can help you with information regarding payments, programs, therapy, and guide you through the process, so you can count on us. Visit our website and find all our contact information to schedule an appointment today.

We believe in empowering and in long-term solutions, so you won’t just overcome your addiction, but you will actually leave it behind you for good. 

References:

opiate detox

Opiate Detox: A Timeline of What to Expect

What Are Opiates?

To define it briefly, opiates are drugs classified as “downers” that come from the opium poppy, which have an effect on the pleasure receptors of the brain. Legally prescribed opiates, such as codeine and morphine, are used in order to help patients deal with pain. Opiates in small doses and for short periods of time are not only safe but often recommended. The main issue with opiates is when they are taken for longer than usually 5 days, and without proper medical supervision.

When this happens, a patient can be at risk of becoming addicted to the drug. At this point, they can either keep on taking legal substances to feed their addiction or actually start seeking illegal ones once they can’t get prescriptions anymore. One of the main reasons why a lot of people can get addicted is not just the relief from pain, but the actual stage of euphoria the drug can give.

But even though any opiate might cause an overdose, most illegal drugs tend to be more dangerous than prescription opiates. Since they are synthetic and not manufactured in a lab, it is much harder to predict the effects it might have, and therefore, any dose could actually be lethal.

How Does Opiate Detox Work?

Once someone has decided to quit the drugs for good, they can start what is called opiate detox. While the concept of detoxing from opiates is simple in theory, there are many factors to be considered as you start to get rid of them and start your opiate detox process. That is not just because of the effects of the drug in your body as you take them, but also as your body feels the abstinence.

Using opiates for long periods of time has its toll on the body, and addiction becomes something beyond the psychological aspect of dependence, as it actually starts affecting a user physically and chemically as well. The higher the amount taken, the more resistant to the drug an addict becomes, and the more they require to feel the euphoria and the pain relief they once felt. And since it has such a strong neurological effect on the body, the brain starts requiring it just to function properly.

Cutting out that supply to the body, and mainly the brain, can cause a lot of strong reactions. This is why there is a “right” way to go about your opiate detox: it should not be treated like a simple cleanse or like starting a diet. Some of the effects can be dangerous, especially if you cut opiates abruptly and at once as you detox. And that’s where the problem is if going through it alone: slowly lowering a dose might be hard, and even lead to a relapse.

There are many options out there for opiate detox, some of which might require other medications to treat both the side effects and the addiction itself. Inpatient, outpatient, and at-home opiate detox are all possible, but you must be honest with yourself about your limits when making that decision.

Symptoms of Opiate Withdrawal: A Timeline

No matter how you decide to go into your opiate detoxing process, it is inevitable to feel the effects of withdrawal. If you have reached the point of addiction, your body feels like it needs the drug. But there is no cause for real concern: it might hurt now, but it will feel much better later as you get your life back.

In the initial phase of your detox, a lot of the symptoms seem more related to the nervous system, such as:

  • Anxiety
  • Agitation and restlessness
  • Muscle aches
  • Sweating profusely
  • Low energy
  • Sleeplessness
  • Tearing eyes

It’s possible to see that some of the symptoms can affect the other. For instance, being constantly agitated and not being able to sleep will eventually cause low energy, as this might be too much for the body without rest. Although not solely caused by lack of sleep, low energy can certainly worsen without it.

But as this first phase fades, other symptoms can take over. While this might feel discouraging at first, it is important to keep in mind it is in fact part of the process, and it means you are moving forward. In this second phase, one can experience:

  • Abdominal pain and cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Goosebumps and chills
  • Irregular/accelerated heartbeat
  • Dilated pupils

If you are not careful, these more physical symptoms might cause other problems, such as dehydration. Unfortunately, relapses are also common from intolerance to such strong effects.

Together, these symptoms might last up to a month and can start in a few hours from taking the last dose. This, as mentioned, would all depend on how deep into their addiction a user was – in other words, what drug was taken, how much, and how often. As a patient goes through these two phases, the next part of this opiate detox is made up of long-term withdrawal symptoms, which will be linked to the emotional and behavioral nature of addiction.

We Are Here With All The Help You Need

The opiate detox can be quite rough on the body for all the reasons listed, and going through it alone can be too traumatic for most people. There is proven efficiency in starting a program made to help anyone who has gone through the hardships of addiction for too long, and a number of options are available. So why risk relapse and unnecessary pain when you can have a properly trained team giving you the medical and emotional support you need?

We at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare can give you different solutions for your problem. One of the greatest benefits we can offer for opiate detox, for instance, is the Recover Strong program, which is based on the neuroscience of body movement for healing. As you get the therapy and support you need, you’ll get a chance to work through the physical toll of your detox by training your body to become more resistant physically in a healthy way.

No matter what kind of help you need, we will be happy to meet with you and discuss your needs, our programs, and answer any of the questions you might have. Visit our website and contact us today. Substance abuse stops the second you decide to get help, and we want to be there for you all the way.

References:

https://www.healthline.com/health/home-remedies-opiate-withdrawal

https://www.drugabuse.gov/drugs-abuse/opioids

https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/opioids/index.html

Insurance for Granite

Will My Insurance Cover My Addiction Treatment, and Other Questions About Medical Insurance for Rehab.

How To Get Started

One of the main issues someone can come across when looking for help to deal with addiction is finding a program that is actually affordable. It can be a real problem, to the point where some won’t even get the help they need because they believe they cannot afford it. The matter of the fact is that most people are not aware of the many ways financial aid is available so that programs and treatments can become less costly in the long run.

The first question that might come to mind is: Can I use insurance for rehab coverage? Yes, it is possible to get the coverage needed from your insurance for rehab programs of all kinds. Marketplace plans have to cover mental and behavioral health services because they are considered essential health benefits. While it might be a bit confusing, understanding the different types of marketplaces, there are plenty of ways to find out what insurance plan would work best for you and for rehabilitation as well.

Besides the option of marketplace insurance, there is also Medicare, and those eligible must be: over 65 or have paid taxes for Medicare for at least 10 years; have a spouse who paid Medicare taxes for 10 years; have End-Stage Renal Disease; be young and have a disability. Medicare can cover most of your needs for rehab insurance, but it differs depending on whether you have Medicare Part A or Part B. However, both cover rehab program services while the patient is being treated, even though there are limitations.

What if I Don’t Have Insurance?

If reading about all of these options made you confused or if you know you cannot commit to paying monthly insurance, this doesn’t mean you can’t get help. It is possible to get clean without having to use insurance for rehab treatment. It is true that Americans have become more and more indebted by medical costs than ever before, but when it comes to rehab, there are ways to control the financial damage.

Some of the options for people that don’t have insurance to use for rehab and treatment purposes are:

  • Sliding scale treatments – plans with fees that vary depending on the patient’s income, and can be lowered accordingly.
  • Credit cards – people that have good credit could try and pay off their expenses out of pocket by using their credit cards, paying gradually as they can.
  • Payment plans – there might be the possibility of breaking the full price up into monthly payments to get through little by little.
  • Rehab grants and scholarships – Government organizations and rehab programs offer grants and/or scholarships to help patients pay for their program.
  • Loans – while not the most attractive solution because of the risk of debt, an alternative would be to take out private loans, such as personal loans or even home equity.
  • Crowdfunding – a popular option for many financial needs nowadays, getting help from others through online funds like a GoFundMe page can at least help cover part of the costs.

The best option to pick will depend on what are the main issues stopping you financially from starting a rehab program without insurance. Do you have a steady income? This could mean paying for the program little by little might be the way to go. Does your case require inpatient treatment and you won’t be able to work for a while? A grant might be something worth pursuing. Have a lot of followers on social media? Crowdfunding could work faster for you.

If you are torn between another major expense and treatment, your decision would depend on your priorities. However, it is worth pointing out that, without your health, whatever you might be thinking of pursuing that requires a major expense – moving, going back to school, buying that new car – might not be something as enjoyable if your health is at stake. Of course, some expenses are inevitable, such as legal expenses or taxes. But it is crucial to weigh your options before making a financial decision this important.

Can I Afford Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare?

In order to find out if you could join us at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, you can contact your insurance and ask for rehab options that you can get coverage from. If you need help knowing how to do that, or even if you don’t have insurance, you can contact us and provide the necessary information for us to get back to you to explain the intake process as clearly as possible.

We at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare offer services to aid those hoping to leave their addictions behind them that can’t be found anywhere else. Because we are aware that finances might be an obstacle to many, we don’t believe in short-term solutions and we understand that some might have to set a deadline. At the core of all our programs is the desire to do more than just end substance abuse, and to actually empower individuals and change them in the long run through their transformation process so that they can become fully independent.

We hope to help you any way we can, so do not hesitate to contact us. Visit our website for more information on how to reach out to our team, so they can guide you through all of the options, financial or not. No matter what financial decision you’ll make, the only option you cannot pick is to not get the help you need.

 

References:

 

mexican oxy

The Scary Rise of “Mexican Oxy” in Yavapai County: What is it and What You Should Know

What is “Mexican Oxy”?

One of the newest illegal drugs coming to the U.S. right now, Mexican Oxy are characterized as blue pills that are pressed and made to look just like oxycodone hydrochloride tablets, with an M and a 30 stamped on them. The drug is mostly made up of fentanyl, and some reports claim there are high doses of the opiate in the pills, too, making this “oxy” quite lethal.

Fentanyl is the most reported drug in cases of overdose in Arizona, and lethal cases have been on the rise. From 2015 to 2017 alone, the numbers have tripled, surpassing known drugs like heroin. Cases of overdoses from opiates in Yavapai county and beyond continue to rise even with measures taken in the state of Arizona. While fentanyl can be legally prescribed, illegal versions laced with other drugs and substances are causing an epidemic, as well as many deaths.

The drug is reportedly originally produced in China, and its biggest buyers are located in Mexico. Authorities have reported that Mexican oxy has been smuggled into the U.S. through the border, and known cases seem to be focused in the southern area of the country. Arizona seems to be the hot spot for the drug, but they have also been found in other states like Mississippi.

Difference Between Oxy vs. Mexican Oxy

By looking at them, even long-time users of prescription drugs cannot tell Mexican oxy apart from the official pills. Despite the misleading term “oxy” in the name, Mexican oxy is not oxycodone. While oxycodone is a semisynthetic drug, produced in a controlled environment and therefore more predictable when it comes to its side effects, Mexican oxy is the complete opposite.

As mentioned before, Mexican oxy contains high levels of fentanyl, mixed with other substances as well. Some have gone as far as calling fentanyl “100 times stronger than morphine”, as the drug has been linked to the death of even famous people, like Prince. When speaking of these opiates, Yavapai county Sheriff Lt. Nate Auvenshine explained: “There’s less stigma to taking a pill than putting a needle in your arm, but one of these pills can have enough fentanyl for three people.”

Police have reported that the amount of fentanyl found in these pills range from 0.03 to 1.99 milligrams, which means it is either almost nothing or actually lethal. So a user can either be a victim of a scam or a victim of the drug and taking a chance can be too high a price to pay. This also is a sign of lack of quality control, confirming that these pills are not done in a lab, and maybe not even produced by the same manufacturer. It is becoming a lucrative business, which is a terrible sign.

Symptoms

While the amount of fentanyl with each pill varies, the symptoms from taking it and from withdrawal should be the same as fentanyl. It is also important to remember these are not pure drugs, either, so other substances might be found in these pills and could make it stronger, or cause a reaction that can result in the collapse of the user’s system.

Someone taking fentanyl might experience the following, which are more common:

  • Drowsiness
  • Nausea and stomach pain
  • Constipation and/or gas
  • Sedation
  • Breathing problems
  • Unconsciousness
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety
  • Muscle aches
  • Difficulty urinating

These are just some of the milder side effects from taking the dreaded drug alone, even in controlled, temporary doses – so there’s a higher chance of experiencing that and even more with bigger doses for longer periods of time. As for the other drugs this version of illegal fentanyl might be laced with, each of them would cause a different reaction, so it could be hard to predict their side effects.

People who have not taken the opiates found in Yavapai county and other counties should not take this epidemic lightly. Being an addict in the state of Arizona can put anyone at risk of coming in contact with Mexican oxy, and what is scarier is that they might not even know they are taking it. There have been registered accidental overdoses and deaths caused by the drug where users thought they were taking oxycodone.

New Drug, Same Treatments – And We Have Them All

If you or a loved one are facing addiction right now, especially in the state of Arizona, you could one day come face to face with the killer drug. Whether the problem is an addiction to oxy or actual fentanyl, each year new drugs are smuggled into the country or created right here, and it becomes more dangerous to sustain the habit with each passing day.

The best way to be safe from Mexican oxy is to get rid of addiction once and for all. It might take a few tries, and it might take a whole team, but help is available for those who need it the most. We at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare aim to be just that – a helping hand in the fight for life. We believe in not living with shame, and lifting up our patients through our programs.

If you’d like to know more about how someone can finally free themselves from addiction through our services, visit our website and contact us for more information at your convenience. We will gladly answer any questions and walk you through the process that has saved many lives.

References:

IOP in Arizona

IOP Treatment for Alcohol Abuse in Arizona: How to Know If It’s The Best Choice

Yes, getting rid of alcohol can be a tough ride and have many bumps down the road, but it can be easier with the right people supporting you. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, we hope to be that help to anyone who needs it. There are a number of programs to choose from, and each of them planned out to cover all the bases needed in your journey to recovery.

What is IOP Treatment?

Intensive outpatient programs (IOP) are one of the options available for the recovery of alcohol and drug abuse. In this type of program, a patient will have the possibility of keeping their routine as is, since it is not full-time, and they won’t have to stay in the facilities for the treatment. It is only a certain number of hours a week, and there are often multiple options that you can pick from according to which fits your schedule best.

IOPs usually rely heavily on group therapy sessions and support, with additional individual case management. This is a great way to not just deal with the symptoms, physical, and emotional toll of getting clean, but it gives you an opportunity to work on social interaction in the process. IOP alcohol treatment will allow you to get to know other addicts going through the same process, giving you a chance to learn new ways to cope, to deal with the side effects, and to try to get your life back on track.

It is important to keep in mind that this method is usually recommended for people that do not require detoxification and/or, obviously, 24-hour medical supervision. While it has been proven to be effective, some cases require more time dedicated to therapy, treatment, and IOP alcohol treatments might not provide everything someone in a more intense scenario might need. There are a number of alternatives for different types of cases, so be sure to compare well among your choices in order to ensure that you will choose what is right for you.

What are the benefits of IOP treatment?

Well, as mentioned before, since IOP treatment does not demand that the patient stays in the rehabilitation clinic of their choice 24/7, this can be the perfect choice for those that need to go to work, school, or can’t spend a full day focused solely on their treatment. This is especially interesting for anyone that does not want to feel like they are putting everything on hold – which can be an excuse to not start on a recovery program.

Knowing what you will have to go through can also help decide whether IOP alcohol treatment is the way to go. Some of the symptoms from alcohol withdrawal might be:

  • Sweaty, clammy skin and pallor
  • Headaches
  • Loss of appetite, nausea, and vomiting
  • Tremors
  • Insomnia
  • Altered/rapid heartbeat
  • Irritability
  • Mood swings, anxiety, nervousness, depression
  • Fatigue
  • Unclear mind

These are some of the most common symptoms, which are usually seen in all levels of withdrawal. However, the most severe cases can cause even fevers, hallucinations, or seizures. Symptoms can start in 6 to 12 hours from the moment an addict stops drinking. Therefore, when picking the right treatment for your alcohol abuse problem, consider the type of support you might need. IOP alcohol treatment is more intense than your usual outpatient programs, but inpatient programs should not be ruled out right away.

Nevertheless, a number of studies have been done on the effectiveness of IOP treatments, and research shows that it works just as well as other inpatient and outpatient options when followed correctly. They could also be a great fit for those who need a treatment that’s more intense than outpatient alcohol treatments. IOP alcohol treatments have become so commonly sought that most insurance companies will cover it (at least partially), and they are even often required by judges in order to reduce the chances of recurrent convictions.

Alcohol Abuse in Arizona

Another reason why IOP alcohol treatments might be a great choice for someone in Arizona is that they will give the patient a way to work on and improve their social life. Arizona was the 4th state with the largest number of deaths from alcohol poisoning in the U.S. in 2015. In a state where drinking is so excessive that it has become a problem, having the right people around you can make a difference. Receiving the treatment you need for your substance abuse issue is incredibly important, but being a part of a community that supports a clean lifestyle is just as vital for a former addict to stay that way.

While the age group that sought help more often in 2015 were people from ages 26-30, the age group 31-35 was not too far behind statistically. Considering that the legal age for drinking is 21, this means people have reached the point of needing help quite fast in the state of Arizona. As for gender, the number of men and women seeking help is almost equally divided, with 53% of patients being male, and 47% female.

Help Is Here If You Need It

On the topic of being a part of a healthy social environment, not only do we offer outpatient alcohol treatments, but we also have our very own Recover Strong program. This program has been designed to tackle both the social and physical aspects of a patient’s lifestyle, bringing both together into one plan focused on the neuroscience of movement. While you work on social interactions, you will also have a chance to improve self-image and self-esteem, both of which are vital in order to endure recovery.

Whether you or a loved one need to take that first step towards leaving substance abuse behind for good, we can guide you through what would be best for your needs. Visit our website for any information you might need to contact us and learn more about what we can do for you. We are happy to meet and answer any and all questions you might have to make the decision that can turn your life around.

References:

Opioid Withdrawl

What to Expect When You’re in Recovery for Opiate Addiction

What are Opiates?

In more technical terms, “opiate” is used to describe drugs that are derived from opium, which in turn, are obtained from opium poppy seed. They are more popularly known as opioids and are prescribed to help patients deal with pain. Classified as what people call as “downers”, they work by suppressing the pain felt as the brain’s pleasure systems are controlled.

While prescribed opiates like morphine or hydrocodone can be perfectly safe in controlled doses for short periods of time, using it for too long and without the proper medical attention might put you at risk. It is not uncommon for addicts to start with legal, prescription drugs, and some even only take legal ones as their addiction gets worse. The main problem is how freely they can be prescribed in America, and how easily they can fall into the wrong hands because of that.

Other opiates besides prescription ones such as heroin are even more dangerous. For starters, when compared to morphine, heroin reaches the brain much faster and it is about three times more potent. And the fact that it is a synthetic drug makes its side effects less predictable, so taking any amount whatsoever could go horribly wrong.

Opiate Detox – Withdrawal Symptoms and What to Expect

No matter how you came about using opiates, opiate recovery is achievable, but it is not easy. Dependence of opioids is chemical and even physical, too. This means that, as you fight to get better, some of the symptoms you’ll experience through the process of opiate addiction treatment can make you feel physically worse. Some of the possible symptoms are:

  • Muscle pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Irregular heartbeats
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Dilated pupils
  • Sweats, chills, and tremors
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia

It is hard to tell which symptoms each patient will have to deal with during their recovery from opiates: it all depends on the drug taken, the dose, the frequency, and even the person’s own system. Those symptoms can last up to a week or even more, and may start in just a few hours after the last dose is taken. Dealing with withdrawal on your own is possible, but there is a higher chance of relapse.

Just like it is with the symptoms, opiate addiction treatments will also vary from person to person. There is not just one right way of getting the help needed, and everyone responds differently to each method. It is important to know all of the options out there because if one of them does not work, there is no need to despair – and much less to give up.

Long-Term Healing from Opiate Addiction

While you can take medication to help with withdrawal symptoms (which should also be done through a health care provider or clinic and not be self-prescribed), that alone will not be a permanent solution to opiate addiction, and shouldn’t be considered a full treatment. Opiates recovery is also not a linear process, it is full of ups and downs, and that is something important to keep in mind.

Just because one type of treatment did not work, this does not make someone hopeless. Being honest with yourself when picking an opiate addiction treatment is also vital, because limits and triggers are all personal, and play a big role into what method should work better. Of course, each kind of treatment will have its pros and cons, and will not be perfect. So finally, another factor to consider would be what your priority is in terms of daily life, medical support, financial options, etc.

Inpatient Treatment

Inpatient treatment requires staying in the facility of the rehabilitation center chosen for opiate addiction treatment. This would mean 24-hour medical, psychological, and emotional support, which is quite recommended in worst case scenarios. Programs usually last at least around 28 days, but do not tend to prolong too much in most cases.

Outpatient Treatment

The outpatient programs for opiate addiction treatment gives the patient the possibility of keeping their routine as close to normal as possible, as they only have to go to the facility for treatment during the day for a few hours per week. However, this would mean that most support would come from social groups or would happen during the time the patient is in the clinic. Therefore, it is best for mild addicts, as more serious situations might require closer attention.

Recover Strong: How Granite Behavioral Health Retrains Your Brain

The Recover Strong program is part of the opiate addiction treatment and is offered as part of the transformational process at Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare. It is based on the neuroscience of physical exercise as a way to stimulate neuroregeneration by improving the capacity to handle stress, cognition, and reducing anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Additionally, this is done in a group setting, which also helps with social engagement and interaction, while also helping issues with self-esteem and self-image.

We Are Here to Help You With Your Opiate Addiction

We understand how it can be scary to go through all of this, but what is important is that there is an option to not go through it alone. It does not matter where you are in your journey with addiction, or even if you have relapsed. At Granite Mountain Behavioral Healthcare, you can get all the medically recommended aid needed for opiate recovery and get to work on even more than that, in order to make this improvement a permanent one. Our philosophy is not just based on becoming independent, but also, on becoming empowered.

If our Recover Strong program – a differential between ours and others opiate addiction treatments – seemed like a great fit for your needs, do not hesitate to contact us. We will give you all the details about this program as well as all the information you might want about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.

You can reach us online by visiting our website or get all the other contact information you need here. You could be just one click away from finally receiving the help you need and truly deserve.

Out Of Town Treatment

When It Comes To Addiction Treatment: Stay To Closer To Home… Or Travel Out Of The Area For Treatment?

Here’s the scenario: Either yourself or a family member (or loved one) has made the COURAGEOUS decision to seek out professional treatment for their alcohol or substance abuse addiction.

Now the question becomes: Should this person seek out treatment close to home… or are there benefits to traveling out of state for treatment?

This is a question that comes up on almost every call we receive at our treatment center

There are many logical benefits to consider out-of-city (or even out-of-state) treatment centers, to include:

  • Experiencing a true “fresh start”

  • Creating distance between the person & areas where they “used”

  • Removing “easy access” to substances

  • Building new, healthy habits in a new environment

… and many more.

All of these are valid to an extent.

In addition to the “common sense” benefits listed above, there are scientific & psychology-backed theories supporting a change in one’s environment while undergoing substance abuse treatment.

Now… before I continue… 12-Step advocates (which includes myself) may be thinking: A change in environment is not the ONLY solution (or variable to consider) in long term recovery from alcoholism and substance abuse disorders.

The PERSON must undergo a profound inner change for success which is not (necessarily) ONLY accomplished by changing the environment he/she is in.

That said… let’s look at some of the psychology-based theory behind why this change of environment is (in my and other professionals’ opinion), a very good plan.

granite mountain behavioral healthcare

We can’t talk about any recommendations on early treatment choices without covering two primary hurdles every substance abuser grapples with in early in recovery: 1) Cravings and 2) Triggers that lead to cravings.

A craving, simply defined, is a strong (almost overpowering) urge or desire for something.

A trigger is defined as a cue… possibly a person, place, thing, could be a smell, certain lighting, tv show, or anything… that brings about a memory of something.

So let’s combine these two nuisances and look at their role in a person in early stage recovery from a substance use disorder.

The Cue Reactivity theory proposes that a craving “is viewed as a multidimensional response to a variety of stimuli paired in the past with substance intake” (Kouimtsidis, 2000, p.299). [Which is a fancy way of saying: When a person with a substance use disorder encounters something (a cue) that is attached someway (a memory) to that person’s history of using… there can be a complex response to it.]

Examples of this reaction caused by a craving can be:

  • A sudden, irrational, & overpowering urge to use

  • Obsessive thoughts about a substance or use for a period of time

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Increased heart rate

  • Sweating

  • Feelings of euphoria or dysphoria.

The point is: Cravings are strong & extremely complex.  

granite mountain behavioral healthcare

In fact, in early recovery, they are one of the most common causes of relapse.

They can be so all-encompassing, they’re routinely compared to “temporary insanity”, where all logical & rational thought disappears and the person seemingly loses control of their decisions/behaviors, making unpredictable/illogical choices such as going back to substance use and risking death.

And here’s the thing: Triggers can and will happen anywhere… and in some of the most unexpected ways.

A change of environment helps to reduce/limit them, but it doesn’t prevent them completely.

Circling back to the common-sense part of this concept… people in early recovery have a better chance of long-term recovery if they are able to avoid triggers and limit cravings as much as possible while they build the necessary skills and resources to abstain from mood-altering chemicals.

So yes, it is our opinion that it’s a healthy decision to ensure the person suffering from addiction removes themselves spacially & geographically (out of town) and create enough space between them & their usual “triggers”.

A treatment center that specializes in substance use disorder treatment, which includes a reputable, clinical component can help the sufferer manage both their reaction to triggers, as well as strong cravings.

In fact, this is a vital part of a successful treatment program whose sole focus is long term recovery for the sufferer.

Finally… you simply need to ensure they enroll in a safe and reputable treatment facility’s program.

Please feel free to call us at … or email us at … with any questions you may have about substance abuse treatment.

Kouimtsidis, C. (2000). Role of craving in substance misuse. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 13(3), 299-303-299-303.

Sobriety Is The Best Gift I Gave My Family

Counting My Blessings

I am a father, a son, and a brother, I have two daughters of my own. Funny thing being a son, as a son I just thought about what I wanted out of life, what was next for me. As I became a young adult, I never really thought about much more than that, I guess that’s just part of growing up. Now a days, I am father too, I have a 2-year-old daughter and a 10-year-old daughter. When I look at my daughters I see all of the amazing possibilities, my oldest loves science, has a great sense of humor, my youngest is just developing her little personality and interests, and man she is full of life. All I see is endless possibilities for them and it is very exciting.  I truly have a great life, I own a business and I love what I do, I make a good living doing it. I have cool hobbies and great friends. I can actually say I am living the dream! The life I lead today is better than I ever dreamed it could be 7 plus years ago, that’s for sure! I could list the gifts sobriety has given me and write paragraph after paragraph, however instead I am going to write a bit about the gifts my sobriety gave to those I love, particularly my father.

Looking Back…

granite mountain behavioral healthcare

7 plus years ago, life was very different. I was heavily addicted to oxycodone, Xanax, alcohol, and crack cocaine. I was a father to my oldest daughter in no other way than title. She couldn’t count her dad for anything, no one could. It had been this was since I was 12 years old. It wasn’t so bad when I was 12, but it got worse as I got older. At 30, no one wanted to be around me and I for one don’t blame them. My parents were forced to watch as their son, whom they loved, destroyed himself and anything around him. Now as a dad of young children, I can tell you that when your kids are young their problems are mostly solvable by a hug and maybe a small consequence if a discipline is needed. But for the most part parents can step in and save the day, just as we want to. But as a child gets older they have to solve their own problems and learn to become an adult. Often time that’s when problems start to arise that parents all together can’t solve, addiction being one of them. I have yet to experience what it is like to watch one of my children suffer from addiction and stand by helplessly as they risk death or God forbid die. Just typing it here terrifies me. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t do for my kids.

Cleaning Up My Act

So, 7 years ago, fearing for my life my parents, yet again, spent their hard-earned money to send me to treatment as I suspect they feared the alterative was a funeral. I went to treatment mostly because I was homeless and no one really wanted me on their couch anymore. It wasn’t until a phone call with my dad that I actually started to want to change. I called home feeling the obligation to check in since they were paying for treatment. We talked about the normal stuff and I began to tell my dad that I was doing well and things were different this time, all the stuff I thought he wanted to hear. He stopped me and said he really hopped that was true. There was pain in his voice, deep pain. He then went on to talk about how he missed having a relationship with me, how he had hoped that he and I would have had an adult relationship like he had with his father. He talked about his sister and how her children were doing well but most importantly were happy. He talked about after all his success he sat in his chair at night depressed because his children were suffering and he didn’t know how to fix it. The pain behind his voice cut like a knife. It brings me to tears to write about it, I can still feel the pain like a 1000 pounds of bricks on my chest. He deserved better, he was a good dad, he provided well, played with his kids, made mistakes as all parents do but cared and deserved better as he neared retirement. He deserved a son, a son that called to talk, that he didn’t have to worry about planning an early funeral for, a son that he could trust would be able to be there for him if he needed him, a son that he could think of and feel joy, not pain. It was in that moment that I decided my dad deserved better, I wanted to be that son. People will say you have to do recovery for yourself but that’s not my story. I did it for my dad and eventually I did it for my dad, my mom, and my daughter. Then finally, one day after over a year of doing it for others, I looked at myself in the mirror and for the first time liked who I saw and decided I was worth doing it for myself too.

granite mountain behavioral healthcare

I can tell you this, I am not a perfect son, father, brother, or friend in sobriety, but my father has his son back. My daughter has a real father who shows up and loves her, when friends see me they want to spend time with me, I bring value to my friendships. Today I have my self back. You could look at my life and see the many overt gifts sobriety gave me: a nice house, a great career, cool hobbies like restoring classic cars or backpacking trips, but the best gifts I ever received in sobriety are the gifts that my sobriety gave to those I love. They gave a father his son back.


To get help for substance use call us today at 1.844.878.3221 or contact us through our website