All In A Days Work

Even Short Term Use Can Be Fatal: 3 Most Important Things to Remember About Opioid Addiction

Addiction destroys many lives, and the addict is affected but so is everyone who loves him. Sadly, a person may become addicted after only one use. If you have a loved one who is suffering from opioid addiction, what are the three most important things you should know?

Help is Available

Individuals should not give up on a loved one who is addicted to opioids or opiates. Addiction is treatable, and loved ones need to compare all program options to find the one that best meets the needs of the addict. Many complementary and traditional therapies ensure each addict can obtain the help needed to address the underlying causes of the addiction and put him on the path to recovery. Additionally, the treatment program helps the addict develop coping skills to handle cravings, stress, setbacks, and negative emotions. He learns a healthy way to think and behave when overcoming the addiction. Learn more about the services from Harris House and whether they would be right for your loved ones.

Opioids or Opiates

People often use the terms opioid and opiate interchangeably. However, differences exist between the two and individuals need to use the correct term when discussing addiction. Opioids derive from plants, specifically a poppy plant. When the plant is harvested, men and women take the dried remains and make opium, heroin, and morphine as they have been doing for thousands of years now. In fact, humans were using opioids for medicinal purposes as far back as 3400 BC.

In contrast, opiates come from a laboratory and are a synthetic version of naturally occurring opioids. These substances fall under the category of prescription drugs with two common ones being fentanyl and OxyContin. When speaking of addiction to narcotics, however, individuals typically use the two terms interchangeably, as addicts don’t care which form they consume so long as they get the desired high.

The correct term would be of help when determining what a person had consumed, as prescription drugs are carefully monitored by government entities. Drugs purchased on the street may have other substances mixed in with the opioid, and this could be of importance in helping the addict especially in the event of an overdose.  

Prevalence

Millions of Americans suffer from an opioid use disorder. This includes those addicted to Vicodin, OxyContin, and other prescription painkillers as well as those addicted to heroin. These individuals are both addicted to the substance and dependent on it. Quite a few assume those two are the same, but they are not.

A dependence on the drug means the person experiences withdrawal symptoms when they quit using the substance. This dependence occurs because of changes in the brain. These changes are the result of the brain attempting to compensate for the presence of this substance. When these changes occur, the person develops a tolerance to the drug, and more is needed to produce the desired effects. If the drug is removed, withdrawal symptoms occur as normal brain function rebounds.

Addiction, on the other hand, occurs when the person cannot stop using the substance of choice regardless of the consequences of using it. Addicts often try to quit only to discover they can’t. Some succeed for a short period of time only to return to using the substance. Addiction is the result of chemical changes in the brain and changes to the physical structures in this organ. These alterations bring about dysfunctional thinking patterns and compulsive behaviors.

While addiction is devastating, it is treatable. It’s a matter of finding the right program for the addict. If one doesn’t work, don’t give up. Keep trying, as the addict deserves a happy, healthy life He may need help to achieve this goal, so keep pursuing forward until recovery is within reach. 

For starters, an NLP practitioner is a coach who assists one in expanding their beliefs about themselves and, in turn, helps them come out of their comfort zone. With help from this type of practitioner, one can be capable of overcoming setbacks in life and, as a result, lead a happier, more successful life overall.

There are generally many things an NLP practitioner can teach us, including the following.

• Nothing is Permanent.

We tend to think situations and difficult emotions are here to stay. In reality, NLP practitioners would tell us that nothing is permanent and that some things need to be let go if we are to make changes to our lives.

• You Have the Power Within You to Change.

We might think we aren’t capable. However, NLP practitioners would say that each person has power within them to make adjustments in their life. Sometimes, though, it takes a bit of work to get a person to find and use that power.

• Comfort Zones Don’t Take Us Anywhere.

Comfort zones feel nice, which is why they’re called comfort zones. We all have them. Sadly, they only seem to hinder our ability to yearn for greater things in life. That’s why NLP coaches push their clients to go beyond their limits.

• Struggles Are Nothing More Than Challenges We Have Yet to Conquer.

All of us face struggles every now and then. Some of us naturally get through them like a champ. Others of us view them as roadblocks that we’ll never be able to hurdle over. But if you truly want to conquer them, you have to view them as temporary challenges, not permanent obstructions.

• Black-and-White Thinking Prohibits Change.

How can one expect to change if they think of themselves and their life with a very all-or-nothing attitude? To think in this manner makes one more resistant and hesitant to change.

• A More Satisfying Life Comes With Transformations.

When you’re feeling stuck or stagnant, it’s difficult to feel like you’re living a life full of satisfaction and significance. An NLP practitioner, though, can help push you towards transforming yourself inside and out so that you can live that life you’ve always wanted. 

• Communication is Everything.

The way you communicate with yourself and others can have a big impact on how you achieve your goals in life, overcome setbacks, and confront failure. Negative thoughts and communication patterns will never bring success. On the flip side, positive thoughts and communication patterns bring change and solutions.

• You Can’t Expect Change if You Aren’t Dedicated to Change.

We all want change to happen in our lives, but we fear change at the same time. And we fear the work that change requires even more. But part of all transformation journeys involves being persistent and dedicated.

• Everyone Has Potential.

People like to tell others that they have no potential, that they won’t get anywhere in life, or that they won’t change. An NLP practitioner would tell you different: they do have that potential; we all do. But it will take drive to put that potential to work.

Are you interested in becoming an NLP practitioner yourself? You can start by taking an online NLP practitioner certification course today.

Conclusion

We all deal with struggles in life, many of which are caused or exacerbated by mental blockages. That’s where an NLP practitioner comes in. With their expertise coaching, clients can change how they think and perceive to help them lead towards a more fulfilling life in general.

What day is it again? Lately, it seems like each passing day is blending together with all the others. We’re all going to bed later and sleeping in, too. And that can leave us all feeling not like ourselves. What we’re missing might just be that daily routine — and there are countless upsides to maintaining one.

In fact, research shows that daily routines offer positive benefits, such as increased productivity and creativity, as well as alleviated anxiety and stress levels, something we could all use these days. While it’s not always easy to snap into a routine, these simple tips can help you reclaim your days — and be more productive, too.

1. Limit Morning Usage of Your Smartphone

We all do it. Our alarms wake us up, and we immediately check our smartphones. At first glance, checking your inbox, the news or social media first thing in the morning might not seem like such a bad thing, but new research shows quite the contrary. A study that included people in their 20s conducted by Sweden’s University of Gothenburg shows that high smartphone usage is linked to higher reports of depression in both men and women. 

When you constantly check your smartphone, your apps are vying for your attention, which can disrupt your attention and focus and make it impossible to begin your day calmly, ultimately leading to anxiety and stress. When you check your smartphone first thing in the morning, you’re also setting the tone for a distracted day. And you’re losing time, too. What begins as a five-minute check can turn into a 15- or 30-minute scroll session.

There are several popular methods to help you become less dependent and distracted by your smartphone in the morning. First, try putting it on airplane mode at night. When you wake up in the morning, you won’t be bombarded with notifications that you feel obligated to answer. Replacement activities, such as morning meditation, exercising or journaling, can also help you take back your mornings.

2. Get Dressed Every Morning 

Sure, it’s tempting to stay in loungewear all day, especially when working from home. But experts say there are benefits to getting ready each day. In fact, the simple act of getting dressed is directly related to your mental health. Plus, getting dressed in the morning impacts your mood and can boost your levels of optimism, productivity and motivation. 

Experts say neurotransmitters in our brains, including serotonin, dopamine, endorphins and norepinephrine, ignite a sense of purpose and boost our mental state when we get dressed as part of a daily routine. Bottom line: Make your morning routine something you’re excited about. Try new styles or new outfits that you wouldn’t normally wear to feel good and boost your mood.

3. Establish Healthy Eating Habits

Snacking and grazing more than usual? You’re not alone. If you find yourself snacking more throughout the day, it might just be because you’re not filling up at regular mealtimes. Besides plant-based fats, enjoying half a plate of non-starchy vegetables and plenty of protein can help keep your hunger at bay throughout the day. Additionally, setting time aside to cook each day also provides health benefits.

Get Ready to Reclaim Your Livelihood 

If you’re searching for ways to keep positive and productive, the answer might just be establishing and maintaining a daily routine. From intentionally limiting your smartphone usage in the morning and getting dressed each day to cooking healthy meals regularly, these daily routines can improve your outlook and overall well-being. So, get ready to reclaim your life and livelihood.