OxyNEO Drug Abuse
Prescription drug abuse is being seen more and more among all ages and demographics. Painkillers, or Opioids, like Oxycodone and Methadone are some of the most commonly misused prescriptions. These medications can become very addictive if not effectively monitored by both patient and physician. In the last few years, Canada has seen many changes to the popular painkiller, Oxycontin. Manufacturers changed Oxycontin’s formula shortly before their patent on the painkiller expired (which would allow generic copies to be produced). While Oxycontin was originally developed as a slow-release painkiller, it was quickly learned that snorting or injected it allowed users to experience the drug’s entire effect all at once. Oxycontin’s New Identity This change in formula made Oxycontin (renamed OxyNEO) harder to abuse. When a person tries to alter OxyNEO for snorting or injection, it forms into a gel and becomes too gummy for such purposes. This change has garnered both support and criticism. Advocates believe OxyNEO lowers levels of abuse and addiction in addition to reducing the risk of fatal respiratory relapse. Others believed it only translates into different problems elsewhere. Outcomes of OxyNEO One of the problems noticed shortly after OxyNEO’s debut was a spike in heroin use. With the inability to use OxyNEO in the same ways as its predecessor, many people turned to the next closest substance – heroin. Heroin is much cheaper and easier to access than prescription opioids. But because illicit substances like heroin are not regulated, users do not know how much heroin they’re ingested or if there are other substances cut in. The risk of overdose, serious health complications, and death are much higher among heroin users. People have also found ways to abuse OxyNEO. A quick search on google will show you how to remove the plastic coating responsible for creating its gummy consistency. Approaching Substance Use Differently Simply removing or changing a substance does not counteract substance abuse or addiction issues within a community. People struggling with substance dependency will find other ways to stimulate their experiences while using substances. Not only is the adoption of substances like Heroin more dangerous, but heroin’s withdrawal symptoms can also be life-threatening. It’s difficult to know what stance you should take on issues like this, especially when authorities are so divided on solutions for people with mental health and addictions. Who do you believe? How do you know who is right and wrong? The truth is you can’t be black-and-white about it. There were likely some people who went into recovery after Oxycontin was taken off the market, meaning that the change worked for some. Additionally, not everyone prescribed Oxycontin in the past developed a dependency to it or the other painkillers than have been around for years. For this reason, unique, individualized approaches to opioid addictions are more effective than simply wiping something off the shelf (alcohol prohibition in the United States is a good example of this). The post OxyNEO Drug Abuse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Slip Vs Relapse
Families of individuals with addictions are not just an important part of treatment, but an important part of recovery (i.e. life after treatment). Relapse can be one of the biggest worries once loved ones return home from treatment, yet many can’t identify what true relapse looks like. TO complicate matters, there is no universally agreed upon definition for “relapse”. What is Relapse? While there are many definitions available, a relapse can be defined as “a return to previous levels of substance use or behaviour(s) after a period of improvement”. Generally, total relapse reflects a higher severity in the return to addictive behaviours. Many factors can influence relapse. To start, it’s not a sign or lacking willpower and control. Certain characteristics affect treatment outcomes and recovery. One study found those with higher self-efficacy, less avoidant coping styles, and a readiness to change showed better outcomes. In contrast, untreated concurrent mental health problems, multiple substance dependencies, and high impulsivity were linked to increased vulnerability for relapse. According to the same study, people experiencing mental health issues like distress, depression, and anxiety are also at higher risk for relapse. Negative emotions account for 30% of relapses and increase the chances of a ‘slip’ turning into relapse. What is a Slip? A slip is defined as “a break in abstinence” or “the act or instance of back-sliding”. A popular belief is that slips are not as detrimental as relapse. The belief is that it is different from relapse, because a slip is not a complete return to addictive behaviours. However, there are a number of people who don’t believe in slips; abstinence is “all or nothing” to them. Any consumption of substances is considered relapse. This belief doesn’t work for everyone. Behaviour & Process Addictions Adding to the confusion surrounding slips and relapse, are those with process addictions such as food, sex, video games, and internet use. For this group, it is not necessarily realistic to abstain permanently. For example, people with food or sex addiction need to develop moderate, healthy sexual or eating behaviours. Harm Reduction Definitions of relapse and slips also become confusing when the definition of recovery shifts from the traditional view of abstinence to moderate removal. For example, individuals with opioid addiction may need to taper in order to achieve long-term recovery. They may even need to use other painkillers to ease an injury or recover from surgery in the future. Recovery is not a State, it’s a Process Recovery is a learning process and a slip or relapse may be a necessary part of that individual’s learning. Individuals who slip or relapse learn more about themselves and better ways to prevent slips in the future. Relapse can also be a sign of boredom and a lack of meaning and purpose. Individuals who slip or relapse have an opportunity to look at their life and find ways to make it more meaningful. This insight can greatly improve their recovery and prevent relapse in the future. Your Role As friends and families, it’s important not to react drastically to a loved one’s slip or relapse. Our negative reactions can translate into failure in their eyes. This sense of failure can cause your loved one to believe they’re hopeless and return to old patterns. Individuals with more supportive relationships with families and friends show better treatment and recovery outcomes. The post Slip Vs Relapse appeared first on Canada Drug...
Family Support for Gambling Addiction
This family has dealt with their brother’s gambling problem before. He racks up huge debts and then becomes overwhelmed. The last time they bailed him out he didn’t gamble for about 10 years. They want to have an intervention and confront him, but do not have a plan for afterwards. We advised that they might want to hold off on an intervention until they have some options for treatment. That way they can offer him solutions for treatment during the intervention process. We provided the following information: Intervention resources Family resources AHS public programs Private non 12-step programs Intervention Information: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-intervention.html http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/Alcohol-Drug-Intervention.html Here is the contact information Catherine MacDonald: Website: http://www.onmywaycounselling.com/ Phone: 1.613.722.1884 Note: Uses a gentle approach to intervention. She invites the person to their intervention rather than ambushing. From your basic details, it sounds like your brother already acknowledges his gambling problem and does not need to be ambushed by his family. FAMILY RESOURCES This is a link that will take you to different therapies and models used to treatment families of addicts: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/family-addiction-help.html This webpage outlines different styles of therapies and lists hundreds of resources organized into categories for the family. Here are some books on Enabling and boundaries. They can be helpful in deciding what sort of approach you want to take with your addicted loved one. Addictive Relationships: Reclaiming Your Boundaries (1989) Joy Miller Better Boundaries: Owning and Treasuring Your Life (1997) Jan Black, Greg Enns Boundaries – Where You End And I Begin: How To Recognize And Set Healthy Boundaries (1994) Anne Katherine Boundaries and Relationships: Knowing, Protecting and Enjoying the Self (1993) Charles Whitfield Boundaries in Marriage (1999) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries in Marriage – Participant’s Guide (2002) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Boundaries: When to say Yes, When to Say No, To Take Control of Your Life (1992) Henry Cloud and John Townsend Where to Draw the Line: How to Set Healthy Boundaries Every Day (2000) Anne Katherine TREATMENT RESOURCES Now, there will be a variety of treatment options for you to offer Ben*. Treatment is generally more effective when the individual needing treatment is an active part of their recovery and not just pushed in one direction. After all, only they can keep themselves “sober” and they often have an idea what might work best for them. In this section, resources are organized into two options: programs you pay for and programs subsidized by provincial healthcare. PUBLIC Here is the website for the responsible gaming program in Alberta: www.aglc.gov.ab.ca/responsiblegambling/ With the public systems (if you cannot or choose not to go the private route) there are always going to wait times and protocols. Typically a person must be assessed and then referred into treatment (outpatient and or inpatient/residential). Here is the assessment office in Calgary. Ben will need to book an appointment or find out when drop in times are. You may want to call ahead to see if they deal with gambling. They may need to redirect you to a mental health office instead the addiction and mental health office. Calgary Adult Addiction Services (AHS) Stephenson Building 2nd floor, 1177 11 Ave. SW Calgary, AB T2R 1K9 Phone: (403) 297-3071 Toll-Free: 1(866) 332-2322 Fax: (403) 297-3036 Note: Service hours are Monday to Friday 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. Intake and assessment is available on a drop-in basis weekdays at 1:00 PM. Residential Gambling Programs Poundmaker’s Adult Residential Treatment Program PO Box 34007 Kingsway Mall Post Office Edmonton AB T5G 3G4 Phone: (780)458-1884 Email: info@poundmaker.org Problem Gambling Resource Network 2nd floor, 3312 Parsons Road Edmonton, AB T6N 1B5 Phone: (780)461-1259 Email: pgrn@programgamblingalberta.ca Note: The...
Women’s & Children Addiction Treatment in Calgary, Alberta
This woman, Erica*, emailed us looking for a First Nations treatment program. We weren’t sure if she was searching for treatment for herself only or one that included services for her kids. We never heard back from Erica but sent her an email with the following information that would hopefully be of help if she’s still seeking treatment. Erica expressed interest in the Lander Treatment program. However, if she wished to bring her child(ren) to treatment, this program is not a good fit. There is a long-term treatment program called Youville Residence that is 150 days in length and has a house for women with children. This program also works with Alberta Works to help secure funding. Youville Women’s Residence 3210 – 29th Street SW Calgary, AB T3E 2L1 Phone: (403) 242-0244 Intake Phone: (403) 984-2707 Fax: (403) 242-3915 E-mail: intake@youville.net Website: www.youville.net There are more family programs in Canada. Most of them are First Nations programs as well, which might help Erica secure funding for one of them. Here is a link to all the NNADAP options, which includes federal-funded Fist programs. You will need to find the one that meets your needs as well as your family’s. Just in case you feel like you can find the right program through the NNADAP link, we recommend you ask these questions that might help you figure out how to get into treatment sooner rather than later. When a program tells you about wait times there are two types of waitlists: 1. Some programs have fixed intake takes for fixed programs lengths. 2. If the program does not give fixed intake dates, then the waitlist timeframe they give is based on: (1) how long the treatment program is and (2) how many people are already on the waitlist. Most waitlists are based on the assumption that all admitted clients will successfully complete treatment. In other words, a 4-month waitlist could be less that a couple months because people drop off the list (e.g. don’t go or attend another program) or leave treatment early. Once you have answers to the first set of questions, there are typically two options from this point: (1) The program isn’t a good fit (e.g. waitlist is too long, doesn’t provide services you need, etc), so you start calling the next program. (2) You like this program and you start asking them this next set of...
Concurrent Disorder Programs for Females
Lisa* lives in Calgary, AB. She’s 29 and abuses her prescription medication in addition to non-prescribed Benzodiazepines and stimulants. Lisa also abuses the medication she uses for a mental health issue. Lisa called us at the end of April looking for affordable treatment. As we talked, she became more interested in public services available to her. Lisa desired to reside at a treatment centre that was long-term, women-only, preferably in Saskatchewan or Manitoba, and publicly funded. Public addiction treatment has many limitations. When we researched facilities with Lisa’s wish list, we found very few women-only programs existed. On top of that, Alberta Health Services (AHS) doesn’t fund individuals to attend treatment in another province just because she wanted women-only (even though research suggests gender-specific treatment can yield more benefits). AHS generally only sends clients out-of-province when there is a good reason (AHS lacks specific resources) such as severe mental health issues and addiction. While there are programs in Alberta that treat concurrent disorders, Lisa truly did not want stay in Alberta for treatment. Unless Lisa was willing to stay in Alberta for treatment, she would need to start considering securing funds beginning at $15,000 to attend private treatment centres outside of Alberta. Obviously these sorts of costs are unrealistic and unachievable for many people struggling with addiction and dependency issues. We discussed two public/charitable programs for women only in Calgary, but, again, Lisa didn’t seem interested. Sometimes our calls with people in need don’t always end positively. Sometimes all we can do is talk with callers, present them their best options, and let them weigh the pros and cons of each after our time together has ended. After all, choosing your own treatment is the first step to living a life with more autonomy and control. Our first recommendation for Lisa: Claresholm Centre for Mental Health & Addictions (Concurrent Disorders Program) 139 43 Avenue W Claresholm, Alberta T0L 0T0 Telephone: 403-682-3500 Email: claresholmcentre@albertahealthservices.ca Website: http://claresholmcentre.com Claresholm is offered by AHS and specifically treats and supports individuals with chronic pain, medication misuse, and benzodiazapine dependence who are also coping with a mental illness. We also provided Lisa a link to our directory for all residential programs in Alberta (public, charity, and private) http://www.canadadrugrehab.ca/AB/Alberta-Residential-Alcohol-Drug-Rehab-Programs.html#adult It was also important that Lisa, if she did opt for public treatment, call AHS Addictions (1.866.332.2322) to start her assessment and detox, which are both needed before entering residential treatment. We also provided Lisa with a list a questions that we believe all individuals looking for treatment for themselves or a loved one should ask a treatment center they’re considering attending. You can find these questions here. Be sure you have all of these questions answered if you’re also looking for treatment. Tip: To start the process of contacting treatment centres, we suggest copy and pasting the contact information you find on our online directory into a word document. Once you print this document, you have an easily readable list for you can start contacting different treatment centres. For Lisa, we suggested she contact residential treatment centres first, before detox. Because Lisa, has such specific needs she has a more limited set of treatment options available, it’s in her best interest to try and secure a spot in a treatment center before detox. Public treatment center waitlists can be long-term so the sooner Lisa gets on the list, the sooner she can get in to treatment. Doing it this way also has the added benefit of allowing you or your addicted loved one to schedule detox right before the intake date to treatment. This way people like Lisa can go directly...
Family in Need of Treatment for 26-year-old son Abusing Opioids
Alex* has been in and out of treatment since he was 17. He is a poly-substance abuser, but prefers opiates (commonly abused opiates include heroin, oxycodone, morphine). Alex has a pending court hearing for his addiction and needs a place to live in the meantime. His family contacted us desperately looking for programs to help get Alex clean so he can find a supportive place to live. Detox The first step is to get Alex off opiates. Many sober living and residential treatment programs (especially public services) will not take clients unless they have maintained a certain period of time abstinent from substances. Until Alex enters detox, he will not be able to find a stable living arrangement. This link provides a list of available detox services in the Calgary, AB area: http://www.sunshinecoasthealthcentre.ca/calgary-rehab.html#medical Sober Living Once Alex is abstinence from opiates, he can apply to live in a Sober Living residence while he awaits his court hearing. Many residences are short-term (which is all Alex will likely need), but some do offer long-term stays for clients. Since Alex uses opiates, he may be on a methadone maintenance program. This unique need will dictate the programs available to Alex in the Calgary and Edmonton areas. Secular Support Options Fresh Start Recovery Centre 411 41 Ave. NE Calgary, AB T2E 2N4 Phone: (403) 387-6266 Fax: (403) 235-1532 Website: www.freshstartrecovery.ca Email: info@freshstartrecovery.ca Oxford House 204 – 1409 Edmonton Trail NE Calgary, AB T2E 3K8 Admin Phone: (403) 214-2046 Calgary Outreach Phone: (403) 287-8771 Edmonton Outreach Phone: (780) 455-5106 Website: www.oxfordhousefoundation.ca Email: office@oxfordhousefoundation.ca Has 5 houses for women and 19 houses for men. All houses can be accessed from the phone number provided above. Recovery Acres Society (“1835 House”) 1835-27 Avenue SW Calgary, AB T2T 1H2 Phone: (403) 245-1196 Fax: (403) 244-4019 E-mail: info@recoveryacres.org Website: www.recoveryacres.org This facility is for males over 18 only. It is a 12-step abstinence-based program. Clients must be sober for a minimum of 5 days to qualify and must complete an in-person interview before admission. Clients must be able-bodied with no severe mental health conditions and do not have any future court appearances. In other words, this individual would not be able to attend this program until after his court hearing. Faith-based Options Centre of Hope – Addictions Recovery Program Salvation Army 420 9 Avenue SE Calgary, AB T2G 0R9 Phone: (403) 410-1111 or 410-1145 Website: www.salvationarmy.ca Email: hrefdon.wilfong@centreofhope.org This is a 36-bed residential program for men 18-60. It is a Christ-centered program using Biopsychosocial and spiritual approaches. Centre of Hope is a 90-day program and individuals must be sober for 5 days prior to admittance. Teen Challenge Alberta 146024 – 208th St. W. Priddis, AB T0L 1W0 Phone: (403) 931-3501 Toll-Free: 1(800) 856-8902 Fax: (403) 931-3853 Website: www.teenchallenge.ca Email: info@tcalberta.org Teen Challenge Alberta is a mens-only residential, faith-based treatment program. A minimum 1-year stay is required. Residential Treatment The following programs are located in Alberta and funded through AHS. Private programs also exist, but at a much higher expense. These facilities specifically deal with medication misuse (e.g. prescription opioids/painkillers like Oxycodone) and Benzodiazepine dependence. We recommended these programs because they will provide Alex the specific support he needs to recover from opiates. Claresholm Centre for Mental Health & Addictions Concurrent Disorders Program PO Box 490 139 43 Avenue W, Claresholm, AB T0L 0T0 Phone: (403) 682-3520 Fax: (403) 625-4318 E-Mail: claresholmcentre@albertahealthservices.ca Website: www.claresholmcentre.com This is a specialized treatment program for adults experiencing chronic pain and addiction, medication misuse, or benzodiazepine dependence. A referral is required. It is suggested applicants call to determine if Claresholm is a suitable program for their needs. Correctional Services Canada (Website: http://www.csc-scc.gc.ca/text/pblct/community/prae-eng.shtml) This link is...
