Skip to main content
Tag

Alcohol

Mar 28
Love0
Understanding the Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Binge Drinking

Understanding the Short-Term and Long-Term Consequences of Binge Drinking

By Treatment

Alcohol abuse is one of the most common health issues in America. Millions of individuals are impacted by the symptoms and side effects of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and binge drinking every year. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Binge drinking is the most common and costly pattern of excessive alcohol use in the United States.” The Redpoint Center helps adults and teens recover from alcohol abuse using psychotherapy, prescription medication, and other evidence-based treatments.

What Is Considered Binge Drinking?

According to the previously mentioned article by the CDC, “Binge drinking is defined as consuming 5 or more drinks on an occasion for men or 4 or more drinks on an occasion for women.” Social drinking may cause people to unintentionally binge drink. Individuals are often unaware they have abused alcohol even after drinking more than intended.

American media has normalized binge drinking. Most people grow up seeing characters or celebrities abusing alcohol by regularly drinking over the recommended limit. Many people are unaware chronic alcohol abuse causes severe and sometimes deadly health side effects.

The Impact of Peer Pressure on Adolescent Alcohol Abuse

Peer pressure is one of the most common reasons adolescents and young adults binge drink. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Peer pressure is a leading risk factor for underage drinking and other drug use, so it’s important that kids be equipped with information and ways to say ‘no.'” Parental figures and leaders in the community are responsible for ensuring adolescents understand the dangers of alcohol abuse and how to stand up to peer pressure. The Redpoint Center treats teens experiencing substance abuse.

Potential Social Consequences of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking has the potential to negatively affect personal relationships and other areas of an individual’s life. Alcohol abuse often causes a ripple effect in families and communities. Many people are impacted by one person’s choice to misuse alcohol and other substances. Often, AUD causes tension in relationships with family members, spouses, and close friends.

Some additional potential social consequences of binge drinking include:

  • Increased risk-taking behaviors, including unsafe sex
  • Financial strain due to spending excessive amounts of money on alcohol
  • Difficulty making career advancements due to loss of productivity
  • Increased aggression, mood swings, and other changes in temperament
  • Possible legal issues caused by breaking the law while under the influence of alcohol

Individuals engaging in binge drinking may also unintentionally cause others to participate in unsafe behaviors due to peer pressure and a desire to “fit in” with the group. Avoiding alcohol abuse in social situations is the best way to reduce the social consequences of binge drinking.

Health Side Effects of Binge Drinking

Binge drinking has the potential to cause a wide range of health issues. Below are some of the short- and long-term side effects people may experience.

Short-Term Side Effects

People who do not have a history of chronic substance abuse may notice the following side effects if they binge drink:

  • Blackouts, memory loss, and other memory issues
  • Depressed breathing and increased risk of unconsciousness, coma, or death
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased risk of deadly accidents, injuries, or illness
  • Potential for alcohol poisoning or overdose if combined with other substances

Alcohol harms multiple body systems. Cognition, heart health, and kidney and liver function may be impacted by frequent binge drinking.

Long-Term Side Effects

The long-term effects of alcohol abuse include:

  • Increased risk of developing a mental health disorder
  • Weakened immune system
  • Reduced life expectancy
  • Increased risk of liver and kidney damage or failure
  • Heart disease
  • Increased risk of cancer
  • Brain damage
  • Significant relationship problems

Symptoms and side effects exist along a spectrum. Some people may experience a small number of very mild side effects, while others may experience severe, persistent, or terminal side effects of alcohol abuse. Early intervention and professional addiction treatment provide the best outcomes for individuals struggling with alcohol abuse.

How Can The Redpoint Center Help Clients Recover From Alcohol Abuse?

Individuals diagnosed with alcohol use disorder often benefit from integrative care and a combination of treatment modalities. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), “Alcohol use disorder can be a long-term condition, like high blood pressure or asthma. You may need treatment over a long period of time.” The clinical team prepares clients for long-term recovery by providing multiple levels of care, skill development, and aftercare services.

Some of the most effective treatments for AUD offered at The Redpoint Center include:

  • Psychotherapy
  • Behavior modification
  • Group therapy
  • Support groups
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Peer support
  • Family therapy

The Redpoint Center provides clients and their loved ones with the tools and resources to recover from alcohol abuse. Clinicians also educate families and the community on how to avoid binge drinking and other dangerous activities.

Millions of people regularly engage in binge drinking without understanding the danger. Binge drinking may lead to dependence or addiction if left unaddressed. Individuals misusing alcohol do not need to be addicted to experience life-threatening health issues caused by binge drinking or other forms of alcohol abuse. Unintentional alcohol poisoning, accidents caused by driving under the influence, and other consequences of binge drinking have a devastating effect on a person’s life. The Redpoint Center treats alcohol use disorder and educates individuals on the dangers of alcohol abuse. The clinical team provides personalized treatment plans and multiple levels of care to individuals with AUD. Learn more about our programs and services by calling us at (303) 710-8496.

Mar 01
Love0
What Are Alcohol Cravings, and How Can I Manage Them?

What Are Alcohol Cravings, and How Can I Manage Them?

By Treatment

Alcohol cravings are a physical and psychological side effect of alcohol use disorder (AUD). An inability to manage cravings is one of the most common reasons for relapse during early recovery from alcohol abuse. According to Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, alcohol “craving is associated with severity of AUD [and] relapse to drinking following treatment.” The Redpoint Center uses psychotherapy, prescription medications, and other evidence-based methods to address alcohol cravings during treatment. 

What Are Alcohol Cravings?

No single explanation for alcohol cravings exists. Researchers are still trying to pinpoint what causes cravings and how they may affect a person’s physical health. According to Alcohol Research and Health, “Neurobiological and brain-imaging studies have identified numerous brain chemicals and brain regions that may be involved in craving.” In addition, “Psychiatric conditions that affect some of these brain regions, such as depression or anxiety, also may influence craving.” Alcohol cravings cause a combination of physiological and emotional responses to triggering stimuli. 

Possible triggers for cravings include: 

  • Memories of alcohol abuse or remembering the sensation of being under the influence
  • Mindsets that often proceeded alcohol abuse, including moments of high-stress 
  • Visual reminders, including reading words or seeing items related in some way to memories of alcohol abuse
  • Being around people who misuse alcohol or facilitate alcohol abuse 
  • Spending time in locations where alcohol was previously abused 

Almost anything can trigger cravings related to AUD. The Redpoint Center helps clients identify potential triggers and develop healthy coping skills for managing them. 

How Does AUD Affect the Brain?

Chronic alcohol abuse has a significant impact on how the brain functions. Some people may experience long-term or permanent cognitive side effects of AUD. Severe cravings are a potential symptom of chronic alcohol abuse. 

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “[T]he powerful effects of alcohol on neurocircuits relating to reward and relief cause the brain to attach strong motivational value or incentive salience to the cues associated with alcohol, whether in the immediate environment or recalled from memory . . . Especially when combined with negative emotional or physical states, the sight or thought of alcohol or related cues can trigger cravings, or the urge to drink.”

What Causes Alcohol Cravings?

The exact cause of cravings is not known. However, researchers have reported multiple body systems may play a significant role in when and how cravings manifest. For example, according to the Intramural Research Program (IRP), “A hormone called ghrelin that regulates hunger appears to also influence cravings for alcohol, according to research by IRP investigators pursuing new treatments for alcohol use disorder.” Changes in brain chemistry, hormone levels, emotional cues, and other potential physical and psychological triggers may cause cravings. Effectively treating cravings for alcohol usually involves multiple therapeutic approaches, including psychotherapy, holistic therapies, and medication. 

Stress and Cravings

Physical and emotional stress are the most common triggers for cravings related to alcohol abuse. People often unconsciously associate stress with drinking. During moments of high stress, the mind may cause people to remember moments in the past where they felt the same way and ended up abusing alcohol as a way to cope. Individuals in treatment reduce their risk of experiencing triggers by practicing self-care and activities designed to relieve physical and psychological stress. 

How to Manage Alcohol Cravings

Cravings may disrupt all areas of a person’s life, including career, education, and interpersonal relationships. Discovering healthy ways to address cravings and their underlying causes allows people to experience a better quality of life. 

Some ways clients in treatment manage cravings include: 

  • Tracking mood changes and behaviors to determine the most likely triggers 
  • Identifying which triggers cannot be easily avoided 
  • Developing positive ways of coping with unavoidable triggers to reduce the side effects 
  • Using mindfulness and other techniques to reduce stress 

Clients benefit from working with a therapist or other members of their support system to create a plan for managing triggers, stressors, and cravings. 

Developing Relapse Prevention Strategies and Healthy Coping Skills

Prescription medication may help some people avoid relapse during ongoing recovery. According to the previously mentioned article by Alcohol Research and Health, “Medications such as naltrexone have been found to reduce relapse among abstinent alcoholics, and some studies suggest that these medications also may reduce craving.” 

Understanding how to recognize a craving helps people develop coping skills. During a craving, people may experience the following:

  • Thoughts of alcohol 
  • Memories and body sensations related to alcohol abuse 
  • A strong desire to drink alcohol

Cravings may cause people to experience vivid memories of positive feelings or sensations associated with past alcohol use. Finding ways to avoid or manage these triggers allows individuals to prevent relapse more effectively. The Redpoint Center collaborates with each client to help them create a comprehensive relapse prevention plan and coping skills for addressing specific and general craving triggers. 

Alcohol cravings are one of the most common psychological and mental side effects of alcohol addiction. People often experience cravings during withdrawal, detox, and early recovery. In most cases, treatment programs use prescription medication and psychotherapy to help clients manage cravings and other symptoms of alcohol use disorder. Clients in treatment develop essential skills for reducing the effect of triggers in everyday life. The Redpoint Center uses evidence-based treatments to ensure clients feel confident and comfortable in their sobriety before transitioning to aftercare. Alcohol cravings are manageable and often become less prevalent over time. To learn more about our programs and how we treat alcohol abuse, contact us today by calling (303) 710-8496.

Jan 28
Love0
The Benefits of Alcohol Recovery for teens in a Longmont IOP

The Benefits of Alcohol Recovery for Teens in a Longmont IOP

By Community

The reality of the situation is teen drinking is still a serious issue in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse (NIAAA), “People ages 12 to 20 drink 3.4% of all alcohol consumed in the United States …. More than 90% of all alcohol drinks consumed by youth are consumed through binge drinking.” The NIAAA adds, “In 2021, 3.2 million youth ages 12 to 20 reported binge drinking at least once in the past month.” These statistics are emblematic of why alcohol recovery for teen populations is critical, as well as alcohol recovery for teens in a Longmont IOP.

Understanding the Prevalence and Dangers of Teen Drinking

Alcohol is still the number one substance abused by teens (as well as all other age groups). The issue with teens is that drinking can cause some serious problems. These problems include academic problems, behavioral problems, familial problems, and developmental problems.

Many people don’t realize just how developmentally dangerous teen drinking can be. According to the 2020 article Alcohol and the Developing Adolescent Brain, “The high rates of teen drinking, and binge drinking in particular, are concerning because adolescence is a period of significant neural, social, emotional, and cognitive development. While teens may physically look like adults, their brains do not typically reach adult‐level maturation until around age. Therefore, any disturbances to brain development during this critical growth period could have long‐lasting effects.” These specific negative effects on teens are also why specific teen recovery programs are important.

The Importance of Teen-Specific Alcohol Recovery Programs and a Longmont IOP

Individualized care is critical for all populations in need of recovery. This certainly includes teens. Teens have many social issues that have to be navigated when it comes to recovery.

These are social issues that often relate to friend groups that can be triggering to teens trying to get sober. There are also issues of guilt and shame that teens may feel due to the stigmas that they perceive around going into recovery young. There are also issues with teens entering recovery because they don’t want to interrupt their academic careers too much (though, of course, recovery must always come first when it comes to addiction).

Teen-specific alcohol recovery programs, including a Longmont IOP, take all of these specific dynamics into account. These types of specific recovery programs offer an experience in which teens can connect and share their experiences, which can help to alleviate those feelings of guilt and shame. They can also utilize teen programs to stay closely connected to their recovery plan while also keeping connected with their academic lives. This is also what they can do in a Longmont IOP.

The Benefits of Utilizing a Longmont IOP

Teens can utilize a Longmont IOP to recover while also staying connected to the responsibilities they have to outside entities. Yes, this includes academics, but it also includes staying connected and recovering with their families.

A Longmont IOP also leaves plenty of time for teens to connect to teen-specific recovery communities. These include teen 12-Step communities which are vibrant and well established in Longmont, Colorado. 

A Longmont IOP can also help teens avoid a relapse by helping them remain accountable to their recovery plan. This is important as many people don’t realize just how prevalent relapses in the U.S. actually are. According to the peer-reviewed article Addiction Relapse Prevention, “One primary concern in addiction treatment is the high rate of relapses within a short period after even the most intensive treatment. Many studies have shown relapse rates of approximately 50% within the first 12 weeks after completion of intensive inpatient programs that often last 4 to 12 weeks or more and can cost tens of thousands of dollars.”

Healing at the Cellular Level With The Redpoint Center and a Longmont IOP

Here at The Redpoint Center, we don’t believe in “one-size-fits-all,” “cookie-cutter” recovery. We have found that this type of recovery rarely works. That is why we always create individualized recovery plans for all of our clients. This includes our teenage clients.

We also understand that teens can be apprehensive about going into recovery. They often feel like they are too young and that they will end up on the outside looking in when they head back into their day-to-day lives. The reality is that sobriety is more popular than ever as people are becoming more and more aware of how dangerous alcohol use is and how much alcohol can interrupt a teen’s positive trajectory and promise.

Our primary purpose is to help anyone struggling with mental illness or addiction recover in the long term. The purpose becomes all the more promising when we help teens avoid a long life of active addiction and get their lives on track in their prime. When this happens, we know that our primary purpose is being fulfilled and, for that, we remain excited and grateful always.

Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs) can be particularly helpful for those teens looking to recover from alcohol addiction. Longmont, Colorado, has some excellent IOP options for teens ready to get sober. Longmont is also an ideal place for anyone to get sober as it has a great ratio of nature to cityscape as well as a vibrant recovery community. If you feel like you or someone you love is struggling with issues of alcohol addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the path of positive recovery. For more information about the benefits of IOPs in Longmont, please reach out to The Redpoint Center today at (303) 710-8496.

Dec 07
Love0
What Is Wet Brain?

What Is Wet Brain?

By Addiction

Chronic alcohol abuse has the potential to cause severe and sometimes fatal health conditions, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome (a.k.a. “wet brain” syndrome). According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA), “Wernicke-Korsakoff (WK) syndrome is a serious brain condition that is usually, but not exclusively, associated with chronic alcohol misuse.” The Redpoint Center uses evidence-based methods to treat alcohol use disorder (AUD) and co-occurring conditions. The clinical team helps clients determine if they have any vitamin deficiencies and provides them with the resources to address those health issues.

What Is Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome?

Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome is caused by a severe thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency. According to the previously mentioned article by NIAAA, “WK syndrome involves two different brain disorders that often occur together: Wernicke’s disease and Korsakoff’s psychosis.” Both diseases are degenerate brain disorders affecting a person’s ability to form new memories and access old memories.

Alcohol misuse is not the cause of Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. However, chronic alcohol abuse contributes to the dietary deficiencies that cause wet brain. Malnourishment or a lack of proper nutrition is a common side effect of AUD and leads to a lack of thiamine. Even a short period without thiamine can cause the brain’s physical structure to begin to break down. Lack of thiamine also directly impacts cardiovascular health and the central nervous system.

The symptoms and side effects of wet brain are often attributed to other disorders, and misdiagnosis is common. According to the Primary Care Companion for CNS Disorders, “It is estimated that merely 20% of cases are diagnosed properly, whereas the majority are misdiagnosed.” The Redpoint Center uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine if clients have any conditions caused by malnutrition or other causes. The care team ensures clients are diagnosed accurately and treated with the most appropriate services. Clinicians may provide referrals to higher levels of care in instances where potential clients have late-stage wet brain.

Who Is at Risk of Developing Wet Brain?

Anyone can develop wet brain. However, some people have a higher risk than others.

Some of the risk factors for developing WK include:

  • Alcohol misuse
  • Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • Some forms of cancer
  • Unhealthy diets or eating disorders
  • Conditions affecting the body’s ability to absorb nutrients
  • Other conditions contributing to poor nutrition
  • Excessive and prolonged vomiting
  • Chemotherapy

Later stages of the disorder are untreatable and lead to death. Individuals who have multiple conditions putting them at risk for wet brain should seek medical support to address any nutritional deficiencies before symptoms appear. Early intervention and treatment reduce the likelihood of a person reaching a critical stage of the condition.

What Are the Stages of Wet Brain?

Wet brain has two unique stages: Wernicke’s Encephalopathy and Korsakoff’s Psychosis. Below are brief descriptions of each.

#1. Wernicke’s Encephalopathy

According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), “Wernicke’s encephalopathy is a degenerative brain disorder caused by the lack of vitamin B1.” The symptoms include:

  • Vision problems
  • Confusion
  • Ataxia
  • Low blood pressure
  • Hypothermia
  • Coma

If left untreated, Wernicke’s Encephalopathy may lead to the second stage of wet brain, Korsakoff’s Psychosis.

#2. Korsakoff’s Psychosis

The second stage of the condition may be fatal and involves multiple severe symptoms, including:

  • Delirium
  • Hallucinations
  • Confabulations
  • Extreme memory loss
  • Inability to retain new memories
  • Difficulty focusing
  • Physical exhaustion

Individuals who have reached this stage may be unable to care for themselves. A large percentage of individuals with this disorder die. However, early treatment may offset the side effects and help clients heal.

What Are the Potential Side Effects of Wet Brain?

The primary side effects of wet brain include:

  • Memory and communication issues
  • Difficulty maintaining basic tasks of daily living
  • Decreased quality of life
  • Increased risk of coma, severe injury, or death

The symptoms of WK, even in the early stages, significantly affect a person’s ability to function and care for themselves. Early medical and mental health treatment is the best way to reduce or avoid the worst side effects.

Warning Signs of Wernicke-Korsakoff Syndrome

Most people with wet brain are unaware of their condition. The warning signs are tricky to spot in individuals who misuse alcohol. Symptoms of the condition often overlap with AUD or other co-occurring conditions.

Some of the most commonly reported warning signs of WK include:

  • General confusion
  • Unexplained and extreme decrease in energy
  • Muscle tremors or involuntary movements
  • Lack of coordination
  • Rapid heartbeat or other heart issues
  • Feeling cold the majority of the time

The symptoms may develop over the course of several days or weeks. WK is an acute syndrome. The onset is rapid and becomes deadly very quickly unless the person receives relevant treatment.

Treatment Options at The Redpoint Center

According to the previously mentioned article by NINDS, “Most symptoms of Wernicke’s encephalopathy can be reversed if detected and treated promptly and completely.” Immediate treatment stops the damage to nerves and brain tissue. However, some damage to memory may be permanent.

The Redpoint Center provides clients and their loved ones with information and resources to help them navigate recovery from AUD with co-occurring health issues, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. Clients can rely on their care team to provide effective and appropriate treatments addressing all active and underlying problems affecting their health.

Chronic alcohol misuse often leads to severe side effects caused by malnutrition, including Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. The disorder is potentially deadly. Early intervention and treatment for AUD and malnutrition reduce the risk of wet brain and ensure people in treatment have the energy to focus on recovery. Outpatient treatment allows people with wet brain to spend more time in familiar environments, which may help with lingering memory issues. The care team works with clients and their loved ones to ensure the best possible treatment outcomes. The Redpoint Center provides comprehensive treatment for individuals with dual diagnoses involving more severe or persistent symptoms. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (303) 710-8496.

Oct 12
Love0
Colorado Partial Hospitalization Programs: A Focus on Alcohol Use Disorder

Colorado Partial Hospitalization Programs: A Focus on Alcohol Use Disorder

By Treatment

Here’s the sad truth. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Alcohol is among the most used drugs, plays a large role in many societies and cultures around the world, and greatly impacts public health.” Also, more people “over age 12 in the United States have used alcohol in the past year than any other drug or tobacco product, and alcohol use disorder is the most common type of substance use disorder in the United States.” This is why Colorado partial hospitalization programs (PHPs) often have to focus on alcohol use disorder (AUD) much more than any other addiction.

Understanding the Prevalence of Alcohol Use Disorder

Because substances like fentanyl and Adderall are dominating public conversation, many people forget that alcohol is still the most abused drug in the United States. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) recently reported that “According to the 2021 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 29.5 million people ages 12 and older (10.6% in this age group) had AUD in the past year.” Also, those are just the people that participated. The numbers in surveys such as this are generally underrepresented.

Also, this reporting is specifically for people who have alcohol use disorder (AUD), not those who are merely at the stage of disordered drinking or alcohol abuse. Many individuals with these less severe issues with alcohol will find that programs such as intensive outpatient programs or general outpatient programs (IOPs and GOPs) will work well.

However, individuals who struggle with severe AUD often need a more intensive option for a program of recovery. One of these options is a partial hospitalization program. Also, the good news is that many Colorado partial hospitalization programs are some of the best in the country.

What Is a Partial Hospitalization Program?

Partial hospitalization programs are very similar to their namesake. They are intensive programs that require quite a bit of intensive work in the facility or treatment center but do not require full residency.

These programs are ideal for those individuals who do not need round-the-clock monitoring but do need close attention and contact with their doctors and alcohol addiction specialists. Also, these programs are intended for people who can maintain functionality in their day-to-day lives. If an individual is either in danger of harming themself or others, then a more intensive residential program is probably best at the start.

Colorado Partial Hospitalization Programs and Their Benefits for Treating Alcohol Use Disorder

To start, partial hospitalization programs can be a great option for treating AUD, because other than intensive inpatient programs, a partial hospitalization program is an ideal program to enter directly after an alcohol detox. Alcohol detoxes can be very intense, so going into a program that follows up that intensity with a focus on recovery is crucial.

Also, partial hospitalization programs are effective at treating AUD, because, unfortunately, people with AUD tend to have a higher rate of relapse than people with other forms of substance use disorder (SUD). While many factors may contribute to this, the two primary ones are often the fact that alcohol is legal and remains readily available.

Due to this “relapse reality,” it is important for people in early recovery to stay closely connected to a treatment program. A partial hospitalization program offers this opportunity. Generally, a partial hospitalization program requires about 30 to 40 hours a week physically at the facility, as well as recovery work, such as attending recovery meetings, while away. This type of intense connectivity is crucial for treating AUD, and many Colorado partial hospitalization programs focus on helping their clients with these connections.

Colorado Partial Hospitalization Programs and Their Place in Transitional Recovery

Partial hospitalization programs are also ideal because they are centrally located on the transitional scale of recovery, and recovery is most certainly a transitional process. People who have gone through a residential treatment program for AUD have found transitioning down to a partial hospitalization program to be a perfect step.

Also, people struggling with AUD who have completed a partial hospitalization program are then in an ideal place to transition to a less intense outpatient program to continue their recovery journey. Just as there are great Colorado partial hospitalization programs, there are exceptional Colorado outpatient programs and effective sober living facilities.

Colorado Partial Hospitalization Programs: A Focus on Long-Term Recovery at The Redpoint Center

Here at The Redpoint Center, we focus on long-term recovery over short-term “fixes.” This is why we have multiple options for recovery, including exceptional partial hospitalization programs.

For many individuals, their AUD attempted to take everything away. Here at The Redpoint Center, we aim to help our clients get everything back, and then some.

While there is much discussion about fentanyl and other substances these days, alcohol remains the number one cause of addiction in the U.S. With alcohol use disorder (AUD) remaining so prevalent in the U.S., it is important to keep offering effective and evidence-based treatment options and opportunities. For many people with AUD, a partial hospitalization program (PHP) is the right choice of treatment. Also, Colorado remains an ideal location for both PHPs and recovery from AUD. If you feel like you or a loved one may be struggling with AUD or any other issues of addiction or mental health, we can help. For more information on effective PHPs in Colorado, please reach out to The Redpoint Center at (303) 710-8496.

Jul 15
Love0
How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use

By Mental Health

How Bipolar Disorder Affects Substance Use15Mental health disorders and substance use are often intimately intertwined, with each individual needing to address the effect of substance use and these disorders in tandem throughout their healing journey. However, for those overcoming the impact of bipolar disorder, addressing the use of addictive substances is even more paramount. Identifying the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder, understanding how they can be exacerbated through substance use, and preparing for the additional challenges that addictive substances can present are all paramount to pursuing the most effective treatment possible. The Redpoint Center’s Glenwood inpatient rehab is primed to help each individual begin their journey to a healthy and fulfilling sober life.

Identifying the Effects of Bipolar Disorder

Mental health disorders of any kind are difficult to process, and there is no easy or straightforward way to address mental health needs. However, bipolar disorder can present uniquely challenging situations to overcome. Bipolar disorder is a mood disorder that can vary from person to person, with professional treatment being necessary to understand the various effects of bipolar disorder on each individual. However, identifying the common signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is the first step in pursuing effective healing at The Redpoint Center at Glenwood Springs. Some of the common symptoms may include:

  • Drastic mood swings, moving from periods of elation to intense depression
  • Sudden increases in energy or hyperactivity
  • Impulsive or rash behaviors
  • Increase in risk-taking behavior
  • Difficulty managing an emotional state
  • Intense depressive symptoms, such as sudden lack of energy, focus, or motivation

Those overcoming bipolar disorder may move rapidly from manic episodes of increased energy, racing thoughts, impulses, inability to sleep or lack of need for sleep, and more to intense depressive episodes, marked by not just a lack of energy, but also feelings of worthlessness, doubt, guilt, and more. Professional treatment to address the various challenges of bipolar disorder is paramount to creating an effective and personalized recovery plan.

However, the need for professional treatment can be further informed by the use of addictive substances like drugs or alcohol. Understanding the connection between these substances and bipolar disorder is the first step in creating an effective treatment plan at The Redpoint Center.

The Effects of Substance Use

Bipolar disorder is already challenging enough to overcome. Many of those experiencing bipolar disorder may look to any outlets possible to mitigate its symptoms and effects on their emotional health, with the use of drugs or alcohol being a common method in which to attempt to self-medicate. For some, the use of these substances may be considered to address intense feelings of depression during depressive episodes or to cope with feelings of helplessness, suicidal ideation, or other challenges, while others may turn to these substances to address racing thoughts or impulses prevalent during manic episodes.

While common, the use of these substances can have destructive effects on an individual’s physical and mental health. Even if an individual feels better in the moment by using drugs or alcohol to push down these intense feelings, their use does little to actually process the effects of bipolar disorder, and can even further worsen its symptoms with continued use, leading to addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Increased Emotional Turmoil

The use of drugs or alcohol to address emotional needs often results in the opposite effect. Any temporary perceived relief quickly fades, and an individual is still left without the skills to actually navigate the challenges present. Coupled with the effects of addictive substances, the use of drugs or alcohol can often bring further feelings of anxiety, depression, stress, and more, compounding the emotional challenges already present and making it both further difficult to manage the effects of bipolar disorder while introducing additional challenges.

Developing to Dependence

Those challenged by bipolar disorder may also be at an increased risk of developing substance use disorder or dependence on these substances. Between increased risk-taking behaviors, compromised sense of self-worth, and more, the use of drugs or alcohol can be dangerously normalized, and an individual may not recognize their increasing need to engage with these substances. An individual may also need to engage with more and more of these substances in order to continue to quell the effects of bipolar disorder, leading to increased use and addiction.

Addressing substance use disorder (SUD) in a professional program is paramount, especially while also continuing to address each person’s needs and goals in overcoming bipolar disorder. Comprehensive outpatient treatment at The Redpoint Center is prepared to address both SUD and bipolar disorder in tandem for genuinely effective and transformative healing.

The Need for Comprehensive Treatment to Overcome Bipolar Disorder

A comprehensive approach to healing is paramount for sustained sobriety and success in recovery. Addressing the emotional effects of bipolar disorder without creating a plan to address substance use can leave those in recovery with continuing to worsen symptoms of substance use while stifling otherwise effective attempts to treat the effects of bipolar disorder.

Likewise, addressing a person’s relationship with addictive substances without addressing how bipolar disorder may have informed such use can leave an individual at an increased risk of relapse if the challenges of bipolar disorder are still prevalent. Truly integrated and proven comprehensive treatment plans to address bipolar disorder and substance use in tandem is paramount. The Redpoint Center’s Glenwood Springs location is prepared to address these mental health challenges, substance use, and their profound relationship with each other through proven strategies, professional staff, and a community of peers all committed to the same kind of transformative outpatient treatment.

Bipolar disorder is an incredibly difficult and complicated mood disorder that demands professional treatment. However, it can be further exacerbated by the use of drugs or alcohol, with additive substances informing further mental health challenges, behaviors, and more. At The Redpoint Center, we are committed to creating an integrated and effective approach to overcoming bipolar disorder and substance use in tandem for truly effective healing. Our proven outpatient treatment programs serving all across Colorado are designed to address mental health, substance use, and their intimate relationship, all while personalizing each program and supporting you with a community of peers and professionals alike. For more information on how we can address bipolar disorder and substance use, call (303) 710-8496.

May 01
Love0
Understanding and Overcoming Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

Understanding and Overcoming Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

By Treatment

Alcohol use and alcohol use disorder (AUD) can have many profound effects on a person’s physical and mental health. However, prolonged and excessive use of alcohol can also have a myriad of lingering effects on daily life. Alcohol-induced psychosis is one of these profound impacts, and understanding its signs and symptoms is necessary to pursue the necessary treatment. Redpoint is committed to reaching each person where they are in their recovery journey, and preparing to develop a plan and overcome alcohol-induced psychosis is part of this journey. While difficult, there are always options to explore to address alcohol-induced psychosis and take the first step toward a healthy, sober life. 

Understanding Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

Alcohol-induced psychosis is an intense and difficult situation to overcome, with intense effects that demand professional attention. While not everyone who engages with alcohol will necessarily experience the effects of alcohol-induced psychosis, it can be a risk for those who not only engage with alcohol at excessive levels, such as with binge drinking, but also those who frequently engage with the substance multiple times a week, or even daily. 

However, attitudes and acceptance around alcohol use can leave some people unprepared to cope with the possibility of alcohol-induced psychosis. Because alcohol is a legal substance, many may perceive it to be somehow a “safer” option to illicit drugs. However, this comparison does not mean that an individual is immune to alcohol’s destructive effects, and many may not moderate their use of alcohol or be able to identify when their use of the substance has developed into an addiction, furthering the risks of developing alcohol-induced psychosis.

Alcohol-induced psychosis has intense ramifications on a person’s mental and physical health. For some, the direct use of alcohol can lead to symptoms of alcohol-induced psychosis, while others may experience their symptoms upon the cessation of alcohol use, such as during intense withdrawal symptoms or delirium tremens (DT). No two individuals will necessarily experience alcohol-induced psychosis in the same way, but identifying the potential signs of alcohol-induced psychosis can empower an individual to seek professional treatment quickly for a safe and effective approach to overcoming its intense effects. 

Identifying the Signs of Alcohol-Induced Psychosis

Alcohol-induced psychosis is stressful, whether an individual is experiencing its intense effects themselves or supports are witnessing a loved one expressing its symptoms. Identifying the signs of alcohol-induced psychosis as quickly as possible is necessary for pursuing effective treatment efficiently. Some of its most common symptoms may include:

  • Mood swings
  • Paranoia
  • Anxiety
  • Panic
  • Rapid shifts between bursts of energy and exhaustion
  • Intense hypersensitivity
  • Confusion
  • Hallucinations, either visual, olfactory, or auditory

Many of these symptoms may manifest in tandem, creating an incredibly complex and difficult situation to navigate. Changes in perception through hallucinations or a disconnect from reality can cause an individual to react in drastic ways while experiencing alcohol-induced psychosis, making dedicated, educated, and professional treatment absolutely necessary to address its symptoms. 

Identifying alcohol-induced psychosis can be difficult, especially if an individual has a history of mental health disorders that may manifest with their own symptoms. However, alcohol-induced psychosis can be best identified by not only recognizing applicable symptoms, but also their proximity to alcohol use, whether an individual expresses such symptoms immediately after consuming excessive amounts of alcohol, or soon after the cessation of such use. 

Treatment at Redpoint

While it is common to want to support and care for loved ones throughout their recovery journey, it is also important to recognize the limitations of personal supports and when professional treatment is necessary to address a situation. Alcohol-induced psychosis can not only be an intense situation on its own, but it can also cause those experiencing it to act irrationally or out of fear rather than considering the consequences of their actions for their safety or the safety of others. Professional care is necessary, not only to help those experiencing these intense symptoms stay safe themselves but also to be available to administer proper medical treatment.

For some, medication may be necessary to address particular symptoms, either to address anxiety, panic, or rapid mood swings to overcome alcohol-induced psychosis. While some may benefit from short-term use of medication, others may need more consistent and chronic support while exploring their relationship with alcohol with professionals. However, medication is not a “quick fix” to alcohol-induced psychosis or the addiction that informed it, and professional detox and continued outpatient treatment programs at Redpoint are essential for navigating its symptoms while beginning the journey to a healthy and sober life. 

Redpoint can support those overcoming addiction to address the use of alcohol and mental health disorders in tandem, creating a comprehensive approach to each individual’s needs and challenges throughout their recovery journey. While alcohol-induced psychosis more commonly affects those with a more storied and heavy history of prolonged alcohol abuse, psychosis can still affect anybody. Professional treatment is necessary for not only addressing its symptoms safely but also preventing an individual from future episodes by promoting continued support in their journey to a life of sobriety. 

Alcohol-induced psychosis can be wholly devastating, and professional care is necessary to not only address its acute symptoms but also prepare an individual for the journey to recovery and sobriety ahead. At Redpoint, we understand the difficult nature of recovery and the need for trained medical support in overcoming alcohol-induced psychosis. We are equipped to not only help you or your loved ones begin your recovery journey, but our multiple locations throughout Colorado, from Longmont to Fort Collins and Glenwood Springs, create a community of mutual healing and sobriety to facilitate a truly transformed future. For more information on how we can personalize your recovery journey with us, or to speak to a caring staff member, call (303) 710-8496.

Feb 27
Love0
Finding Your Path in Glenwood Springs

Finding Your Path in Glenwood Springs

By Addiction, Alcohol Rehab

Addiction is a devastating disease that affects every aspect of a person’s life. Overcoming the use of drugs or alcohol is a complex journey. Finding the right place to begin healing greatly influences the development of a healthy, sober life. Deciding to pursue treatment is a profound decision filled with change and uncertainty. Determining the right place in which to pursue this treatment can be intimidating. However, the opportunities available at Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location can help you personalize your approach to a healthy, sober future.

The Need for Professional Treatment

Committing to professional outpatient treatment is the first step toward a transformed future. However, many people overcoming the disease of addiction still harbor intense feelings of guilt, shame, depression, and more. Professional treatment is necessary to address the myriad of ways in which an addiction to drugs or alcohol affects a person’s physical health and relationships. However, they must also address its profound effects on their mental health.

It can be impossible to predict exactly how an individual will react to changes in lifestyle throughout their pursuit of sobriety. Both professionals and an intimate community of peers can be necessary to process these changes. Dedicated outpatient treatment is necessary to provide practical and proven therapies to balance an individual’s needs in overcoming addiction while tending to personal and professional responsibilities at home.

Embracing Community at Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs Location

Redpoint’s community at Glenwood Springs can provide the necessary support for overcoming addiction. Whether an individual is overcoming the use of drugs or addressing their use of alcohol and the emotional effects of their use, Glenwood Springs can create a genuine, caring atmosphere to begin healing.

Each person will have their own best practices and needs in recovery. A tight-knit, supportive, and family-run environment to address the vulnerabilities and uncertainties pertinent throughout the recovery process is necessary to create the most effective and personalized practices in outpatient treatment.

Our community at Glenwood Springs is dedicated to developing intimate, personal relationships throughout addiction recovery. Building close connections between peers and professionals and approaching recovery with this kind of familial support and community can empower individuals to be honest with themselves, their own needs, and their progress throughout recovery.

Redpoint is also committed to communal healing. We help not just an individual find the treatment they need for overcoming addiction but also help the community as a whole overcome addiction for a culture of healing and sobriety. The opportunities at our Glenwood Springs location allow each individual to stay engaged with local nonprofits and create community relationships for an approach to healing that involves an individual, their family, and the local community at large.

Communities work together to create the best approach to healing and building connections. Additionally, the resources available can help each individual find the most affordable and effective care possible for overcoming addiction.

Addiction is a personal journey. However, involving the family and community can lead to the most effective healing practices. Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location is at the center of a healing culture while continuing to individualize each person’s treatment in intensive outpatient programs.

Finding Your Best Treatment Practices

Small, intimate approaches to addiction recovery can also allow the opportunities with Redpoint at Glenwood Springs to be personalized based on each individual’s unique needs and goals. No two people will have the same journey with addictive substances. Each person will have challenges to overcome, needs in recovery, and best practices for tending to these needs.

We offer programs from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to somatic experiencing, psychodrama, experiential therapies, and more. The approaches used depend on an individual’s personal needs and responses to practiced therapy. Moreover, personalizing treatment is essential for an effective and transformative recovery program.

Redpoint’s presence in Glenwood Springs prides itself on being a locally infused, owned, and operated place to begin healing. Our unique approach to recovery also allows us to pivot to new strategies that best resonate with each individual. Combining individual therapy, group sessions, and familial education and support, the care available at Glenwood Springs extends far beyond the facility’s walls.

Various treatment programs can further individualize each person’s treatment. There are options such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA), Adult Children of Alcoholics (ACOA), and SMART Recovery, among others, available for those that may benefit from them.

Starting Your Recovery Journey with Redpoint at Glenwood Springs

Taking the first step toward change will always be intimidating, and taking this plunge into sobriety can be difficult. However, it is also necessary to address the use of addictive substances and the relationships affected along the way. It is also necessary to address any mental health disorders that may continue to inform the use of drugs or alcohol.

Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location is a proud, in-network option for many to begin their journey that utilizes all available resources to make this first step affordable and effective. Choosing the right place to begin each unique journey with addiction recovery is paramount. The options available with us, backed by a strong sense of community, caring, and understanding, can help you begin your transformative journey to a healthy, sober future.

The opportunities at Redpoint’s Glenwood Springs location are ready to help you or your loved one take their first step toward a healthier, sober life. We offer an array of individualized strategies to address your unique needs and goals throughout our dedicated outpatient treatment program. From a thriving and evolving supportive community to a comprehensive and personal approach to the daily challenges of recovery, we offer a unique experience and approach to your recovery needs. For more information on how we can help you begin your journey at Glenwood Springs, or to learn about our other locations and services available, call to speak to a caring, trained staff member today at (303) 710-8496.

Jul 09
Love2
shutterstock 669129985 square

Is Addiction a Family Disease? 

By Addiction, Alcohol Rehab, Community, Longmont Drug Rehab, Mental Health, Therapy, Treatment

Is addiction a family disease? What does this mean? Those experiencing addictive behaviors are suffering on their own. And their loved ones suffer immensely, too. It goes without saying that living with alcohol addiction or substance use disorder is incredibly difficult. 

When someone using alcohol or drugs begins to hurt their family, they may have various behavioral symptoms. They may show disrespect to their friends, siblings, or parents. In addition, they might lash out, challenge boundaries, or project their emotional struggles. Furthermore, other family members may modify their behaviors to manage the stress of it all. Some may try and help the individual using drugs or alcohol to protect them from getting into trouble. Thus, becoming the enabler. Others may take on the role of caretaker and attempt to compensate, providing care that may be lacking. These are only a few examples of the dysfunctional roles that family members might play.

Addiction: A Family Disease

In a recent study at Texas Tech University, the saying, “addiction is a family disease” took on new meaning. Not only is the addicted brain affected by the substances. In addition, the family members’ brains actually change as well. The study found that family members suffer as a result of the addict’s behavior. The prefrontal cortex of one using substances shuts down when faced with temptation or triggered to use drugs. Research shows the family members’ prefrontal cortex malfunctions as well. Hence, studies validate that addiction is a family disease. Parents and siblings can actually crave patterns. They seek to rescue and care-take their addicted family member. Therefore, this is similar to the substance abuser who craves their substance of choice. 

The conclusion of the Texas Tech study, states the following: 

“The present study provides preliminary evidence that family members’ symptomatic behaviors associated with a loved one with a substance use disorder (such as fear-based behaviors), as hypothesized, may be related to altered brain functioning. Given these findings, problematic symptoms and behaviors may likely not decrease simply because the loved one struggling with a substance use disorder finds abstinence or engages in a process of recovery. Should altered pathways be present in the brains of affected family members as has been found in individuals struggling with substance use disorders, it becomes of great importance to help family members recognize their own personal need for support, therapeutic treatment, and/or recovery. Part of the recovery process should include family-based therapeutic support, and it is therefore important to make sure that the appropriate systemic and relationship training is available to helping professionals.” 

Family Therapy Changes Outcomes

This study proves the concept of addiction as a family disease. The entire family needs to participate in treatment. Family members who turn to support groups such as Al-Anon or partake in family therapy find great success. Consequently, they are able to change their behavior. Also, families learn “the three C’s”: You didn’t cause it, you can’t cure it, and you can’t control it. If the alcohol or substance user is the only one getting treatment, it’s a vacuum. And then they go back into an environment where the rest of the family is still unwell. Hence, the individual’s likelihood of success goes down. The disease of addiction is viciously contagious. Therefore, it is important for everyone to seek help. 

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, mental health problems, The Redpoint Center is here to help. You are not alone. The Redpoint Center treats both adults and youth struggling with addiction and alcohol. To learn more, call us 888-509-3153.

May 29
Love1
Fort Collins Drug Rehab Center

The Therapeutic Benefits of Laughter

By Addiction, Community, Media, Mental Health, Misc, Therapy, Treatment

It is a common occurrence amongst therapists to joke that if they bring their clients to tears then they know they’ve done something right. We believe that laughter can be one of the most powerful tools at our disposal. 

Other reasons why laughing is therapeutic:

Connection: Laughter increases one’s ability to be close with others, and is an expression most often used in a social context. We are 30 times more likely to laugh if we are with another person. Cognitive neuroscientist Sophie Scott said we laugh “to show people that you understand them, that you agree with them, and you are part of the same group with them. You’re laughing to show them you like them, you might even love them. Laughter is doing all that emotional work for you.”

See what else Sophie has to say in her Ted Talk Why We Laugh

Nervous System Regulation: laughter reduces sympathetic nervous system activity (fight or flight response) and increases parasympathetic system activity, which can relax the whole body, thus reducing the impact of stress on the body and mind.

Read more about laughter and the nervous system here.

Perspective: it offers a new way to look at a situation and

“Humor and laughter can shift perspective and change the way our mind views or experiences an event.”

Emotional Health

Emotional health, but physical health have been linked to laughter as well.  Norman Cousins, who wrote Anatomy of an Illness (1979), describes his experience using laughter to help him live a longer, and more pain free life while suffering from an illness affecting the immune system. According to Cousins:

  • Laughter:
    • Releases endorphins in the brain that fight physical pain.
    • Protects our immune systems.
    • Increases antibodies that fight infection.
    • Increases natural killer cell activity. Natural killer cells attack cancerous cells in the body.
    • Improves cardiovascular health
    • Activates neuro-chemicals in the brain, such as dopamine, acting as a natural antidepressant.

And one final thought; did you know there is something called “Laughter Yoga”? Make sure to check out this Ted Talk by Dr. Madan Kataria, the pioneer of Laughter Yoga, which is now a worldwide practice for improving overall health and wellbeing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, drug addiction, Mental Health problems, The Redpoint Center is here to help. The Redpoint Center treats both adults and youth struggling with addiction and alcohol. To learn more about our Longmont Drug Rehab, call 888-509-3153.

Close Menu

We are here to help.



Address

The Redpoint Center
1831 Lefthand Cir, Suite H
Longmont, CO 80501


Phone

(888) 509-3153


Contact Us.

 

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
Please let us know what's on your mind. Have a question for us? Ask away.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.