What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse?

by with No Comment addiction

Most people have heard of opioids and know that opioid addiction is a significant issue. One of the biggest problems with the opioid epidemic is that many people become addicted thanks to prescription medications. Without knowing the signs of opioid abuse, it can be hard to tell if someone has an opioid addiction. In some cases, people who aren’t abusing opioids, but are simply taking them for a prolonged period can wind up addicted without knowing it. 

The Last House believes that everyone deserves a chance to live free of drug addiction. We understand what a problem the opioid epidemic has become and that getting your loved ones the help they need is critical. In this post, we are going to look at signs of opioid use, opioid addiction signs, and how to find treatment for opioid addiction.

 

Which Drugs Are Opioids? 

Opioids are derived from the seeds of the poppy plant. They are widely used in medications that treat chronic and severe pain. Opioids come in a variety of forms and can be both natural and synthetic. 

Most opioids are in drugs such as those of the oxy family of drugs and a few other popular medications. Heroin is in the opioid family as well. Not only these medications, but there are now incredibly strong synthetic opioids such as the drug fentanyl, which is both a prescribed medication, and a derivative street drug that has proven to be incredibly deadly. 

Opioids are all incredibly addictive due to two primary factors. The first factor is due to the fact that opioids affect both the brain and the central nervous system. Over time, opioids change the chemical makeup of the body, changing the way the body and brain react to pain and causing what is known as chemical dependency. Chemical dependency gradually shifts until a person becomes completely addicted to the drug. 

The second reason many people become addicted to the drug is that they start to enjoy the way the drug makes them feel. In particular, some opioids are known to cause a calming and relaxing or even euphoric sensation that some feel is a “high.” They begin to take more and more of the drugs or even change the way they ingest the drug in order to get this feeling.

 

What Are the Signs of Opioid Abuse 

Like most drugs, there are certain signs to look out for that you can use to tell if someone has an opioid abuse problem. 

Because most opioids that are widely available are prescriptions one thing to look out for is a change in the amount a person is taking, such as taking more than prescribed and going back too often for refills. They may also change the way they take the medication, such as changing from swallowing pills to crushing and snorting them. This is a clear sign that they may be abusing the drugs. 

Other behavioral signs include secrecy and paranoia over their drug use. Distancing themselves from loved ones and favorite activities is another trait, as is neglecting responsibilities. 

A person may even wind up in financial and legal trouble due to drug-seeking behavior. 

Emotional signs include anxiety, depression, mood swings, fear, and anger. They may flip from one mood to another, especially if pressed about drug use.

 

Are There Treatment Programs For Opioid Addiction? 

Yes, you can find opioid-specific treatment programs that include personal care and medically assisted detoxification at a treatment center near you that work for opioids. However, once treatment is complete, that doesn’t mean the fight with addiction is over. 

That’s when you need The Last House. The Last House offers men’s sober living in Los Angeles for those in recovery. We have multiple programs available for those just ending treatment, all the way to those that are ready to phase out of the program to ensure that everyone has the help they need to return to a life free of opioids. 

Contact The Last House today to learn more about our Los Angeles sober living locations and get help with your recovery.

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Battling Back: Ardy S. Success Story

by with No Comment Success Stories

I entered The Last House at 26 years of age a broken man with no hope and in complete desperation. History of drug and alcohol abuse extends back 10 years. Considering myself a victim of circumstance and unable to take ownership and accountability of my reprehensible behavior and actions.  Having contemplated death and faced an existential crisis, I had to accept the helping hand or I was doomed. My first step in my long journey was total surrender and acceptance. Beaten into a state of submission by a cunning and deceptive disease, the path of least resistance is what I hoped to have. Ultimately I was going to walk through my fears and resentment and unforgiving habits, so trying times were inevitable. For this, to work I had to delve deep and break away from all I thought I knew. A change was in order and I had to face the challenges to grow. The constructive nature has allowed me to learn valuable lessons of accountability and responsibility in every aspect of life. I am forever indebted and grateful for this program giving me a life I never thought I could live.

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse?

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Abuse?

by with No Comment addiction

We all know that when someone is suffering from addiction, the only safe way to get them clean and sober is by sending them to treatment. However, the longer an addiction lasts, the worse it can be. That’s why recognizing the signs that someone is using and abusing drugs is so critically important. The important thing to remember is that every drug is different, and each individual’s case of addiction is different. While not everyone will have the same symptoms, there are a few common signs of drug abuse to look out for when trying to determine if your loved one needs help. 

At The Last House, we recognize that addiction is a lifelong struggle and that everyone needs help. We aim to provide help and resources to those going through addiction and their families so that they can get on the path of sobriety. In this post, we are going to look at the drug cocaine and what are some cocaine use symptoms and signs of cocaine addiction, as well as how to find outpatient treatment for cocaine addiction.

 

What is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is a stimulant drug that is derived from the leaves of the coca plant. It has been around for centuries and was used by native peoples in different parts of the world for its medicinal properties. 

It was originally used to fight fatigue and other conditions due to its potential as a stimulant. As late as the early 20th century, it was also used regularly as an anesthetic before eventually becoming the more modern form of cocaine that became an illicit 

Modern cocaine is either a sticky yellow or white powder and is typically ingested by snorting, though it can be injected or smoked as crack cocaine. 

In terms of what it can do, it has been known to suppress appetite, reduce fatigue, promote higher energy levels, and enhance mood, among other effects. It also causes numbing of areas that it comes into contact with, making it useful as an anesthetic, which in rare cases is still used today in medical procedures. 

 

What Are the Symptoms of Cocaine Use? 

The signs of cocaine use are fairly easy to detect once you know what to look for. There are signs of use that are physical, emotional, and behavioral to look out for. 

For instance, if someone has been using cocaine habitually, you may notice a white residue around their nose or mouth. You may also notice constant sniffling or a runny nose. There may even be lesions in the person’s nose or frequent nosebleeds. 

They may seem overly excited and energetic, including fast-talking and inability to sit still. They may also become irritable once the “high” wears off. 

Other signs include becoming distant from family and friends, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, and neglecting responsibilities such as work, school, or hygiene. Once a person starts using heavily, they often become secretive, trying to hide their drug use. This also usually includes drug-seeking behavior.

 

How Addictive is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is considered a highly addictive drug. This is linked to two primary factors. 

The first reason for the drug’s addictive potential is because it alters the body’s chemistry to make it dependent on the drug to function normally. Over time this dependence turns to full-blown addiction. 

Secondly, many people enjoy the drug’s effects, making it increasingly popular for recreational use, leading to a higher potential for it to become habit-forming.

 

Is There Outpatient Treatment For Cocaine Addiction? 

There are options when it comes to treatment for cocaine addiction. Aside from inpatient treatment, there are also two forms of outpatient treatment, standard outpatient treatment, and intensive outpatient treatment. These are excellent options for those that need the help and support that comes along with treatment, but need the freedom to return home after their treatment sessions instead of staying in a facility.  

Once treatment ends, The Last House offers men’s sober living in Orange County for those that need a place to go to continue their recovery and rebuild their life after addiction has taken its toll. We offer different programs depending on the needs of residents, including our LA sober living program, and we also offer family support to help with the transition back to a normal life. 

Contact the Last House today to learn more about our sober living locations in Southern California.

The American Opioid Epidemic, Explained

The American Opioid Epidemic, Explained

by with No Comment addiction

The American opioid epidemic is a significant health issue that has reached a crisis level. Along with heroin, opioids have contributed to 75,673 deaths in the United States in a 12-month period ending April 2021. Created as a “safer” alternative to opiates and earlier prescription painkiller medications, opioids have devastated those addicted, their families, and communities across the United States. 

With no end in sight, lawmakers and healthcare policymakers have been scrambling to find solutions to stem the tide of this epidemic which claims over 130 lives per day.

This article will discuss the opioid epidemic in America in greater detail. We will dive deeper into what opioids are and why they are so addictive. We will also discuss the origins of the opioid epidemic in America and where you can find help if you are struggling with prescription painkiller addiction.

 

What are Opioids?

Opioids are a class of synthetic and semi-synthetic medications that doctors commonly prescribe to help patients manage pain from major surgeries and chronic diseases such as cancer. These medications are designed to attach to opioid receptors found in the brain as well as the stomach and the spinal cord. When administered, opioids block pain messages from transmitting through the body. As a result, people on opioid medications feel a tremendous sense of euphoria and relaxation.

Common opioids that doctors prescribe include:

  • Oxycontin
  • Percocet
  • Percodan
  • Tramadol
  • Fentanyl
  • Methadone

Drugs such as heroin and morphine are often included as opioids. While technically known as opiates because they are created from the sap from the poppy plant, they produce the same effect as synthetic opioid medications.

 

Why Are Opioids Addictive?

There are many people who feel that opioids are “safe” because they are prescribed by doctors and used to treat legitimate medical issues. The reality is that opioids are often more potent than opiate drugs such as heroin. For example, fentanyl is 100 times more potent than heroin or morphine. When people are prescribed prescription painkillers, it is done under strict medical supervision and monitoring by experienced medical personnel. Even under this strict monitoring, people can still become addicted to opioids.

How is this possible?

As stated earlier, opioids attach to specific opioid receptors in the brain. The connection these drugs have to these receptors is like a key to a lock. Opioids release vast amounts of dopamine, which is known as the brain’s own “feel good” neurotransmitter. The area of the brain dopamine targets is the mesolimbic brain region where the “reward centers” life. As a result, the rush and pleasure felt when opioids are taken are extremely reinforcing. People will take more opioids to replicate those feelings.

People will continue to take opioids because the withdrawal symptoms are painful and uncomfortable to endure. Withdrawal symptoms often appear approximately 12 hours after the last done and can include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Restlessness
  • Insomnia
  • Widened (dilated) pupils
  • Body aches
  • Vomiting
  • Belly cramps
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Rapid breathing
  • High blood pressure
  • Hallucinations
  • Seizures

If people have underlying medical conditions or are taking multiple substances, these withdrawal symptoms can be life-threatening.

 

History of Opioids and the Opioid Epidemic in America

While opioid addiction in America has been front and center for the past few years, it is not a new phenomenon. The history of the opioid epidemic in America can be traced back to the 1980s. At that time, the general consensus among health providers was that opioid medications were a safer alternative to manage pain. 

In the mid 1990s, Purdue Pharma developed OxyContin, which was touted as being a “safe alternative” and was aggressively marketed to healthcare providers. Operating under the philosophy that opioids were only addictive if used recreationally, doctors increased their prescriptions of opioid medications. There were also vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, with many doctors in private practice who could increase income by seeing more patients and prescribing more painkillers.

Between the late 1990s and 2010, there was a gradual increase in opioid deaths because of the ability for users to stockpile medications due to patient privacy laws and the rise of the black market for medications. When laws were changed, and supplies became more restricted, users transitioned to using illicit opioids like heroin because it was more plentiful and inexpensive. 

Around 2013, heroin dealers began to cut their products with fentanyl and other fillers. The use of fentanyl in this capacity created an explosion in overdose deaths for several years. This effect is continued to be seen today.

 

Don’t Become Another Statistic… Call The Last House Today!

The American opioid epidemic has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. If you are struggling with opioid addiction, today is the day to get professional help. Located in Santa Monica, CA, The Last House is a premier men’s sober living program in Southern California.

With three decades of cumulative experience, our treatment staff has a proven track record of helping those in the grip of opioid addiction. No matter the severity of your addiction, our individualized treatment programs will give you the tools and support you need to overcome your opioid addiction for good.

Call The Last House today and begin your recovery journey.

Important Addiction Statistics in the United States

Important Addiction Statistics in the United States

by with No Comment addiction

Drug addiction is a major health and social issue in the United States. It affects people from all walks of life and in every community across the country. You may not see the effects of drug addiction on a daily basis, but the impact of drug addiction in your community does impact you and your family. To grasp the immensity of this problem, this article will outline addiction statistics in the United States that will make you take notice. You will also know the key reasons why addiction is common in the United States and where you can get help if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction.

 

Why is Addiction Common in the United States?

When looking at addiction in the United States, it is essential to understand the reasons why it is so common across the country. The following data from the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics (NCDAS) show the shocking rates of drug use in the United States:

  • 139.8 million Americans 12 and over drink alcohol
  • 14.8 million Americans over the age of 12 have an alcohol use disorder
  • 58.8 million Americans use tobacco
  • 31.9 million Americans use illegal drugs
  • 2 million people, or 24.7% of those with substance use disorders, have an opioid disorder

So why is drug use and addiction so common in the United States? One major reason is the ongoing opioid epidemic. Along with heroin, prescription painkillers such as Oxycontin and Percocet are responsible for over 70% of drug overdose deaths in 2020. While effective in helping people manage the pain from surgery and chronic diseases, opioids are highly addictive, and people become easily hooked—even if under strict medical supervision.

Another reason why addiction is common in the US is the changing viewpoints people have about substances and substance use. With the growing movement to legalize marijuana to the portrayal of substance use on social media, drinking and drug use are increasingly seen as normal and even acceptable behavior. Additionally, the increasing stress of everyday life leads more people to use substances as a coping mechanism. This can include work stresses, family issues, the rising cost of living, and increasing financial burdens.

 

Important Addiction Statistics in the United States

To fully grasp the drug problem in America, you need to take a deeper look at the addiction statistics supplied by reputable sources and agencies. For example, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) reports that 23 million Americans have struggled with substance abuse. Of that number, 75% fail to seek treatment for their addiction. It is also estimated that 8.5 million people have a dual diagnosis where they have a co-occurring mental illness along with drug addiction. This condition is challenging to treat and requires specialized help.

In 2020, there were 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States. Drug overdoses have now become the leading cause of death in this country. The third-leading cause of death in the United States is alcohol, with an estimated 95,000 people. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, alcohol is also responsible for 28% of all driving fatalities and comprises 18.5 percent of all emergency room visits. For those who do become clean and sober, the chances of relapse are surprisingly high. It is estimated that 40 to 60 percent of those in recovery will relapse at least once during their recovery.

 

Do You Need Help With a Drug and Alcohol Addiction?

Drug and alcohol addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives. If you are struggling with substance abuse, you may feel hopeless and feel you are fighting a losing battle. While you may feel hopeless, help is just a phone call away. The Last House is a sober living facility in Los Angeles specifically tailored for the unique needs of men who are seeking recovery. We offer outpatient and aftercare programs that are customized to fit your unique and specific needs.

Our staff has over 30 years of combined experience in the addiction treatment field. Our programs, services, and support will transform your life. In addition to our programs, we offer fun and engaging activities such as basketball, surfing programs, sober softball leagues, snowboarding, ski trips, among other activities. The support network built at The Last House will motivate and empower you to live a fulfilling life in recovery.

For Los Angeles men’s sober living, call The Last House today!

How Do Sober Living Houses Work?

What is Aftercare in Addiction Treatment?

by with No Comment Recovery

When drug and alcohol use turns into abuse or addiction, immediate treatment and attention are necessary. These harmful substances can cause significant harm to the body, especially when misused and abused. The good news is that drug addiction is a treatable condition. 

 

The first step in treating drug addiction or substance abuse is completing the detoxification process, which is designed to flush any and all harmful substances from the body. Once that’s complete, you will undergo a combination of therapy, medication, and changes to your lifestyle.

 

When treatment comes to an end, the patient is often forced back into the real world and expected to immediately apply all the things they’ve learned in rehab. While some people make this transition look very easy, others will struggle – but that’s where aftercare comes into play. 

 

How Long Does Addiction Treatment Programs Last?

Since everyone has a unique experience with drug addiction, they often require a unique, custom, and tailored treatment plan designed to suit their specific, individual needs. No two treatments are the same, and there’s no telling how long someone will need to fully recover. 

 

With that said, most programs are either one week, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days long – though aftercare is available in most scenarios. Let’s take a closer look at each treatment program:

  • Detox Program – a one-week or two-week program that focuses on detoxing the body.
  • 30-Day Program – a one-month program that is best suited for minor cases of addiction or used as a stepping stone into more intensive treatment.
  • 60-Day Program – a two-month program that allows for more time spent with therapists, counselors, and other health professionals. 
  • 90-Day Program – a three-month program that is best suited for severe cases of addiction and those that need extra attention.
  • Extended Aftercare – utilized as a post-rehab treatment option to help individuals make the transition back into a healthy, drug-free lifestyle. 

 

The long-term programs are more suited for those with severe cases of addiction or substance use, but a lot of people get their feet wet with a short-term program before determining where to go from there. Again, it’s going to be unique to each individual – there’s no cookie-cutter solution.

 

What is Aftercare in Addiction Treatment?

In regards to addiction treatment, ‘aftercare’ refers to the ongoing treatment of a patient after they complete their rehab program. It’s a way for rehab facilities, therapists, and psychiatrists to closely monitor the patient as they assimilate back into a normal, everyday routine in life. 

 

Some of the services and features included in aftercare treatment include: 

  • Home visits and drug tests
  • Financial planning and monitoring
  • Employment opportunities
  • Relapse prevention
  • Ongoing therapy and consultations
  • 12-step meeting attendance
  • Support groups and other meetings
  • Social gatherings and group activities
  • Advice, guidance, second opinions, etc.

 

A good example of aftercare treatment are rehab alumni programs – or what we call a ‘Phase Out Program’ here at The Last House. They’re designed for those that completed rehab, but aren’t ready to make the transition back into normal society – avoiding the potential for relapse.

 

What is the Importance of Aftercare in Recovery?

Aftercare plays an important role in the addiction recovery process, giving patients the support and resources needed after completing rehab. This not only makes the transition to normal life much easier for the individual, but it reduces their chances of relapsing or abusing drugs again. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits and overall importance of aftercare in addiction treatment:

  • Closely monitor the individual after completing rehab
  • Learn valuable relapse prevention techniques and methods
  • More effective transition back into a normal lifestyle
  • Ongoing treatment accounts for ‘bumps in the road’ later on
  • Patients get to keep in touch with friends and professionals that helped them recover
  • Access to educational materials and other resources to help avoid relapse

 

With the right post-rehab support, patients can enjoy a successful recovery as they regain that sense of control in their life. It goes a long way in helping them sustain their sobriety long-term, which isn’t always a guarantee after completing rehab – especially with more severe cases. 

 

Finding Comprehensive Aftercare Programs

Are you looking for a comprehensive halfway house, sober living home in Southern California, or aftercare program? If so, then you’ve come to the right place. At The Last House, we offer Los Angeles aftercare treatment for those looking to safely and successfully live a life without drugs or harmful substances. 

Contact us today to learn more about our sober living opportunities and how they can help you lead a happier, healthier, more rewarding life. You can schedule a tour of our home to see if it’s the right fit for you or your loved one. Together, your journey towards recovery is imminent.

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What are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment?

by with No Comment treatment

Men and women, while both humans, are incredibly different creatures with different habits, behaviors, needs, wants, features, and experiences. Some of those differences are obvious, while others are hidden or unseen. Of course, this is nothing new in society today. What most people don’t consider about gender is its impact on drug addiction and substance abuse – both in the general use and overall treatment. For example, men generally abuse drugs for different reasons than women. Men also have unique needs during the treatment process. That’s where a gender-specific treatment program can do a lot of good for the right person. The benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment considers the unique needs of each gender and surrounds them with like-minded individuals who have similar experiences, goals, and desires. 

 

How Does Gender Affect Addiction?

Gender has always played a vital role in the examination, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction or substance use disorders. Throughout history, certain trends and patterns have given us a glimpse into some of the unique risks or dangers that men and women face individually. 

 

For example, women usually become addicted faster than men and do so while using smaller amounts of the same drug. Women also have more cravings for drugs, have more co-occurring mental or physical conditions, and are more likely to relapse than their male counterparts. 

 

On the other hand, men are more likely to abuse illegal drugs (especially alcohol and marijuana) and are more prone to peer pressure – whereas women generally use drugs in response to a traumatic event or experience. The male and female brains also respond to drugs differently. 

 

What is a Gender-Specific Treatment Program?

Gender-specific treatment has become a popular option for many patients trying to kick their addictions to the curb. A gender-specific treatment program is designed to take into account all the cultural, behavioral, hormonal, and biological differences between men and women today. 

 

From the types of drugs, they use to how they respond to those drugs, how they respond to treatment, why they started using drugs, and the symptoms they experience when recovering from addiction – a gender-specific program ensures a proper environment for each gender. 

 

Although not necessary in every case, gender-specific treatment programs can make the addiction recovery process much simpler for some patients. Anything that might increase a patient’s chance of overcoming their addiction and avoiding relapse must be considered. 

 

What are the Benefits of Gender-Specific Addiction Treatment?

Men and women start using drugs for different reasons, continue to use drugs for different reasons, have different reactions to drug use, respond differently to certain treatments, and have unique wants and needs in general. With that said, gender-specific treatment makes sense. 

 

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment:

  • Specialized, tailored, and personalized treatment programs for each gender
  • Less distractions, especially if you’re attracted to the opposite gender
  • Being around other people that have similar experiences and needs as you
  • Some people are more active and present in group therapy with the same gender
  • Focused and relatable discussions about gender-specific topics 
  • Patients feel more comfortable and more open when discussing their addiction
  • Build valuable, long-term friendships that aren’t built on a physical attraction
  • Higher success rate among those that don’t respond well to a co-ed rehab

 

It doesn’t matter what type of rehab facility you go to or what type of treatment you accept; the end goal is always the same – overcome addiction, avoid relapse, and improve quality of life. When put in the right environment, anyone can recover from drug addiction or substance abuse.

 

How to Find a Gender-Specific Addiction Center

Now that you have a better understanding of the purpose and benefits of gender-specific addiction treatment, you can start to see why it’s a no-brainer for some people. When you’re serious about overcoming your addiction, you’ll do whatever it takes to fully recover. 

 

At The Last House, we’ve created the perfect environment for men to overcome their drug addiction or substance use disorder. We provide quality sober living in Los Angeles for those that are looking to make a smooth transition back into normal society following the addiction recovery process. 

We currently have two sober living homes in Los Angeles and are excited to welcome you or your loved one into our male-specific program. Contact us today to learn more about the program and how we can help you live a normal, happy, healthy, safe, and rewarding life!

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My Mom’s Final Gift

by with No Comment Success Stories

A majority of 2020, I spent my time in jail-Banning, CA. The looming thought that prison would be my fate. Which I thought was well deserved. Feeling alone and angry, enveloped in self hatred. The hurt I caused others, the years wasted chasing a facade. I did not care what happened to me anymore! I had been given every chance to change and like clockwork I always walked down that same path, the familiar one. On Christmas Day, I almost got in a fight with a guard which would have sealed my fate in the Penitentiary, the other inmates were cheering me on and something came over me, I swallowed my pride and sat down, not caring what they thought of me. Merry Christmas! That night I got on my knees, prayer wasn’t something unfamiliar to me but something I had forgotten. “Why would God answer my prayers?” I didn’t care who saw, I just prayed for forgiveness and one last opportunity to change my life! Please! I am emotional writing this because I was in so much pain in that cell! Once again, a loving God gifted me mercy and there was a shift in my case allowing me to seek treatment. Not just any treatment, they wanted high structure and supervision since I had AWOL’d so many times in past treatments. My mom, who has since passed, got on the phone and called everywhere trying to find the right place that would take me and would comply with the court’s strict stipulations. She gave me a list of a few she thought would work.

At the top of that list was The Last House. I loved the name and I called them and talked to Matt. No need to call anyone else, this place felt right to me. In February 2021, when I came to Last House I was so grateful to have this opportunity and I was ready to do anything! I knew one thing, I was going to graduate! I had too. Coming in with that surrender and commitment was my greatest asset. I put my head down for a while and at about 3 months in, I started seeing the value here, my walls started coming down and my mind started to open. The comfortability of what I knew and felt in control of had always outweighed walking through the fear of what was on the other side of the door, the truth. “Maybe I don’t know shit.” 40 treatment centers and I don’t know shit. If I kept picking apart imperfect systems and imperfect people and using that to justify my anger and resentment I knew surely I would fail again. The same man will drink again. My need for control, selfish pride, grandiosity and playing the puppet master had done nothing but keep me sick and delusional.

This program, along with the steps, gifted me the discernment of truth vs delusion and when I am confused I have people to call on. What a beautiful thing. I have sound peace of mind today and when I don’t I’m not berating myself and burying my emotions like I used to. I feel that shit, I observe them, so I don’t act impulsively on them. I learned I cannot understand something unless I consistently practice it and just intellectually acknowledging a spiritual principle is just that, acknowledging it. I focus on what I can control: myself and how I treat others. What a blessing this has all been. Once I satisfied my sentence I decided to stay here, to work here and be a light for others. I want to give back what was given to me and hopefully impact others how I was impacted. Thank you to my family for all your support, the brotherhood I found in The Last House and thank you Mom for finding this place before you left me. Your final gift to me before death was life.

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Last House Graduate: Will Van Zandt

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I am not sure how to express the shift in perspective I have had while staying here, but I will give it a shot. I have been to hell and back ten times over the time I arrived at The Last House. I came in broke and broken, confused, empty, and with nothing left to give. My 70-year-old mom dropped me off with a week’s worth of clothes, my care, and personal effects were scattered from Pasadena to Arizona. I weighed 150 pounds with 11 staples in my head and my front tooth gone with no recollection as to how or why it happened. As I got out of the car my mother looked at me and said “not that you have much-left son, but what is remaining I would think about because I can’t afford to care anymore, please do not call.” That was the day my life had turned into yet another introspective journey as to how fucked up my life was once again. I was forced to sit with that. Regardless of how capable and disciplined I thought myself to be. Here I was, along with Jonas, Ryan, and Diego steering the ship I knew choppy waters were not far ahead. Then Dustin came in and just when I thought my life couldn’t get any worse, there was a guy who couldn’t leave! I could!! Meeting another like mindedindividual-who was violent by design and courteous by choice, I thought to myself this relationship is going to go one of two ways. We were either gonna fight or assimilate. We have not fought… yet. So there we were in the dish pit, cooking, cleaning, and striking. Many moons passed and the routine became non-negotiable, the consistency more frequent. I, we, all of us, faced with the opportunity to dig deep and get honest or comply and fly by had a choice to make, I got BUSY! I sat across from my sponsor and evaluated my character and assessed my conduct, we went over causes and conditions with a thorough inventory, I discarded what caused turmoil, and tailored my actions to helping others to help myself. I shut my mouth and listened to others’ perspectives. I voiced my concerns, I chose the gym over the couch, and I chose work over pleasure. I soon began to realize what I had neatly avoided over the 15 years of trying to get sober was the one thing that kept me disconnected. My intolerance and judgment of others and my immense concern for myself I had. I want what I wanted in life and went to any lengths to get it, with little to no regard for others and no remorse for what they had to endure. I was not much but I was all I thought about. If you were to ask me what I do today to maintain sobriety and mental stability, I would tell you it is not what I do as much as what I don’t do!. It is beyond wordswhat has happened in my stay here- simply put, I let go of the wheel, I let others do for me what I failed to do myself. In the 16 years, I attempted getting sober I can say today that my only strength comes through restraint. – Will Van Zandt

“The answers will come if my own house is in order”

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

by with No Comment treatment

According to recent surveys by the National Institute on Drug Use, the United States saw its most significant one-year decrease in reported drug use (marijuana, LSD, crack, cocaine, heroin, narcotics, prescription drugs, etc.) among teenagers and adolescents between 2020 and 2021. 

Those numbers include a nearly 5% decrease among senior students, an about 12% decrease among sophomores, and more than a 5% decrease among eighth-grade students. While this is good news, it doesn’t include alcohol addiction, and there are millions of others left struggling.

And while most people think rehab and addiction treatment programs are reserved for adults, that’s simply not true. There are a wide range of treatment facilities and programs catered to promote recovery and health in the teenage population – and they’re ready and willing to help!

How is Teen Addiction Different?

Teen drug users often face similar consequences as adult drug users – including crime, injury, violence, and death. With that said, the reasons why teenagers abuse drugs often differ from that of an adult. The treatment plan will also differ since teens have different needs than adults.

For example, some of the most common reasons teenagers use or abuse drugs include:

  • To fit in with their peers, giving in to peer pressure
  • In seek of a thrill, euphoria, that ‘high’ feeling
  • To experiment, either alone or with friends
  • In hopes of hiding pain or to cope with emotions
  • The need to improve athletic or academic performance
  • Lack of education about how dangerous drugs are
  • Lack of guidance or direction from parents or guardians

Another thing that makes teenage drug addiction different is the fact that a teenager’s mind, body, and soul are still growing and developing. Addiction impacts a teen’s health, wellness, and behavior, but it impacts their growth and development – which is devastating.

How Does Teen Rehab Differ from Other Programs?

Helping a teenager overcome their drug addiction often requires a unique, custom, tailored, and particular treatment plan when compared to an adult. If not done correctly, the teenager can continue to suffer, and the addiction will only lead to other problems as they enter adulthood.

Substance abuse treatment for teens must take this into account, but it also must factor in the teenager’s studies and academics. That’s why a lot of teenage rehab centers either offer on-site schooling or operate on an outpatient basis to allow the teenager to continue attending school. 

Another way teen rehab differs from adult rehab is family involvement. While it’s important in adult rehab for family members to show support, they’re often more involved in a teenager’s rehab and play a much more crucial role in the overall success of addiction rehab for teens. 

Are There Addiction Treatment Programs for Teens?

Believe it or not, there are a wide range of options when interested in substance abuse treatment for teens. These programs take into account the unique needs of a teenager and the many different factors that play a role in helping a teen successfully overcome drug addiction. 

Some of the significant benefits of addiction treatment programs for teens include: 

  • Access to the right therapy, medication, and professional help
  • Undergo a controlled detoxification process
  • Understand how to cope with withdrawal symptoms
  • Decrease dependence on drugs and other substances
  • Outpatient programs allow for the teen to continue education
  • Improve overall physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual health
  • Learn about the dangers and risks of drug and substance use
  • Be around other teenagers going through the same thing

Let’s take a look at some of the most prominent warning signs that your child might need teen rehab:

  • Secretive or suspicious behavior
  • Constantly stealing or asking for money
  • Sudden drop in academic performance and/or grades
  • Physical changes (bloodshot eyes, constant sniffling, wounds, weight changes)
  • Mood swings, irritability, and agitation
  • Stress, depression, and anxiety
  • Lack of interest in things they used to love
  • Tried to stop doing drugs, but relapsed

Teen addiction treatment programs often combine therapy with medication and lifestyle changes to curb addiction and promote a healthier lifestyle that reduces the chances of relapse in the future. By the time treatment is over, your teen will be well on their way to a quality life.

How to Find Teen Addiction Treatment Programs

Is your son or daughter suffering from a drug or substance addiction? Are you worried they’re going to hurt themselves? Do you want them to get the help they so desperately need? Don’t worry; you’re not alone, and there are a wide range of ways you can help them recover. 

Addiction treatment programs for teens can be found all across the nation. At The Last House, we believe in providing teens with the necessary guidance, direction, advice, support, help, and resources when overcoming addiction. Our human-centric, custom approach is one-of-a-kind. 
If you want your teenage son or daughter to make real, lasting change in their lives, you’ve come to the right place. Our program is tailored to meet the needs of each unique individual. Contact us today to learn more about our Los Angeles addiction program and how it can help your teenage child!