Posts in category: addiction

Addiction spares no one.

No matter your age, race, socioeconomic background, sexual preference, or community standing, addiction is an equal opportunity destroyer of lives. Substance abuse impacts the user’s life and their family. While people from all walks of life can become addicted to drugs and alcohol, some segments of the population may be more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse issue. One of these vulnerable populations is men.

This article will better answer the question men are more prone to addiction. This article will also outline the role of gender in addiction and the underlying reasons why men, in general, are more prone to substance abuse. If you are a man who is fighting a losing battle with drug and alcohol addiction, The Last House can help you! Our Southern California sober living housing network features a dynamic hybrid of evidence-based sober living programs and clinical support, which will help you rise above addiction once and for all.

The Last House is a structured sober living home for men in Los Angeles. Call The Last House today and break free from addiction for good.

The Role of Gender in the Development of Addiction

In a discussion of male addiction, it is important to understand what role gender plays in the development of addiction as a whole. A study published in the Journal of Neuroscience outlines how men and women become addicted to substances:

• In general, men use substances to feel like they belong to a group. Additionally, men are more likely to engage in risk-taking behaviors and are more gradual in their escalation of substance abuse.
• In general, women use substances to experience their pleasurable effects and are more likely to self-medicate. The escalation towards addiction is quicker, and women take higher doses of substances.
• While gender is a factor in the development of substance abuse, it is not the major overriding factor. Addiction is a complex condition, and many factors lead people to abuse substances. The most common of these factors include family history and genetics, the environment, and the presence of mental illness.

Are Men More Prone to Addiction?

As already discussed, myriad factors make men more prone to addiction. However, there are risk factors unique to men that make them more vulnerable to developing a substance abuse issue. These factors are the following:

Tolerant Attitudes

For many men, the use of drugs and alcohol is seen as a “rite of passage” into manhood. While this viewpoint seems far-fetched, it can account for a more tolerant view of men who drink and use drugs.

” Toxic Masculinity”

In the past few years, the term toxic masculinity has crept into the American vocabulary. The concept of toxic masculinity can be defined as the narrow viewpoint of manhood in and of itself. This mindset shows that “manly” traits such as status, aggression, and sex are desirable, while being vulnerable and open to show feelings is seen as weak. To “keep up appearances,” men may use substances as a way to show toughness and strength.

Weaker Social Ties to Others

Compared to women, men are more solitary and have friendships based on shared interests and not on opening up and based on sharing feelings. Because men find it more difficult to share their thoughts and feelings, they may turn to substances as a coping mechanism.

Reluctant to Ask For Help

Compared to women, men are more reluctant to seek help if they are struggling with addiction. Men tend to take on problems themselves and try to solve issues on their own In general, men will only seek professional help when a crisis pushes them toward treatment.

Are You Struggling With Drug Addiction And Need Help?

Drug addiction can make you feel hopeless and causes heartbreak for those you love. While you may feel there is no hope for you to get better, The Last House can help you get your life back. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living housing network. Our sober living houses are state-of-the-art and provide all clients with the programs and support they need to get and stay sober. Take back control of your health and life and call The Last House toll-free today.

Addiction is a progressive and debilitating condition that affects all people from all walks of life. No one is immune to the ravages of substance abuse. It destroys the life of the user, and it creates chaos for the user’s family, friends, and community at large. While addiction is seen as an equal opportunity destroyer of lives, men can be more vulnerable to substance abuse. To get the help and support they need, it is critical to understand the signs of addiction in men as soon as possible.

In this article, you will learn the addiction signs in men and male addiction rates. Additionally, you will learn where you can find help for yourself or a loved one if you are fighting a losing battle with substance abuse. If you need an evidence-based sober living program designed for the specific needs of men, call The Last House toll-free today. Our programs and services provide you with the support you need to break free from addiction for good.

What Are Male Addiction Rates?

When discussing the signs of addiction in men, you need to understand the width and breadth of substance abuse in males. In general, men are more likely than women to use substances. It is estimated that 11.5% of boys and men over 12 have a substance use disorder and that men account for two-thirds of all opioid deaths in the United States. Additionally, men are more likely than women to engage in binge drinking behavior with an estimated 9 million men having an alcohol use disorder. It is also important to note that men engage in substance use to feel they belong to a group, and men will engage more in risk-taking behaviors when compared to women.

What Are the Signs of Addiction in Men?

When looking at the signs of addiction in men, it is important to note some symptoms are specific to men. For example, men engage in substance use to prove their masculinity and their toughness so they can handle drugs and alcohol. In many ways, substance use is seen as a rite of passage into manhood. Because of the genetic and physical makeup of men, they can handle larger quantities of substances and may not show explicit signs of abuse.

The physical signs of addiction in men include an increased tolerance of substances over time as well as drastic changes in appearance. Men also will experience sudden appetite changes and will display signs of withdrawal if they curb their use or stop using altogether. Psychologically, addiction signs in men include engaging in risky behaviors, having no ability to stop using substances, and continuing to use substances despite the negative effects on their health and relationships.

Socially, male addiction signs include increased isolation from family and friends, a loss of interest in activities and hobbies once enjoyed, financial difficulties, and increased legal issues. When any combination of signs is present, it becomes a top priority to seek professional help.

Finding Men’s Recovery Programs

When men struggle with substance abuse, there are many treatment options on the table. While many drug treatment programs are evidence-based and proven effective, a men’s rehab program may provide the right treatment services and programs to help them get and stay sober. Men-only programs are structured so clients can feel safe conveying their emotions and feelings. Clients in men’s rehabs feel more comfortable being around peers of the same sex. Clients find comfort in being surrounded by men who experience similar things. Men’s rehabs also focus on the issues that pertain to them, including anger issues, understanding and controlling anxiety and fear, control issues, and sexual and family dynamics.

Are You In Need of A Men’s Sober Living Program? Call The Last House Today

If you are experiencing addiction issues, a men’s sober living program can provide the support and motivation you need to change your life. The Last House provides structured sober living in Los Angeles that provides a solid foundation for you to build lasting recovery. Our structured sober living programs incorporate evidence-based approaches and clinical and family support to give you the confidence you need to stay on the path of recovery. Make today the day you break free from addiction; call The Last House right now.

When you think about what an alcoholic is, you more than likely paint a harsh picture. In your mind, an alcoholic’s life is falling apart, and they may be living on the margins of society. While there are people who fit that profile, there are people who struggle with alcohol abuse yet can live a normal life and can perform their work, school, and family duties with seemingly no issues. People that fall into this category are known as functioning alcoholics.

This article will further explore the high-functioning alcoholic and the signs of a functioning alcoholic. Do you feel that you are sliding further down the slippery slope of alcohol abuse? If the answer is yes, the Last House can help you. Our network of evidence-based sober living homes provides the clinical and peer support you need to stop drinking once and for all. Call us today to learn more about our Los Angeles sober living program.

What is a Functioning Alcoholic?

Also commonly known as high-functioning alcoholics, a functioning alcoholic can maintain a “normal life” by continuing to perform and succeed at their job and home. For the most part, the functioning alcoholic can maintain close family relationships and friendships. Additionally, the functioning alcoholic has avoided legal consequences. When compared to the classic definition of the alcoholic, the highly functioning alcoholic may not experience blackouts, display personality changes, or experience wide emotional swings.

What Are the Signs of a Functioning Alcoholic?

If you have read previous blogs, you know that the signs of addiction can be difficult to detect. Many addicts can hide their substance use from loved ones and can deflect concern from loved ones when questioned about their abuse of substances. With a highly functioning alcoholic, spotting trouble is even more difficult. Since a functioning alcoholic can perform at work and home and not get into trouble, it is seen they can “handle their cups”.

As we know, addiction is a slippery slope. While a functioning alcoholic can “keep it together”, it may only take an event or series of events to send them down the proverbial rabbit hole and into a full-blown addiction. Also, the amount of alcohol they consume can cause significant health issues down the road. The following are common functional alcoholic symptoms:

Can’t Have “Just One Drink”

One of the most common signs of a functioning alcoholic is they can’t have “just one drink”. Despite what they may say, they are unable to limit their alcohol intake. They may finish a drink at one bar and head to another, or they may finish other people’s drinks.

They Drink Rather Than Eat

Functioning alcoholics may replace a meal with a few drinks. While they may eat something during a meal, it may be just enough to have a “base” for the alcohol they will consume.

Having “The Hair of the Dog”

Other telltale signs of a functioning alcoholic are having a drink or two in the morning to take the sting out of a hangover. If someone needs to have a drink in the morning or at unusual times, this may be a sign of a functioning alcoholic.

Engaging in Risky Behavior

Alcohol is often called “liquid courage”, and people who consume alcohol may be prone to acting out and engaging in high-risk behavior. People who are normally quiet and mild-mannered may start engaging in drunk driving and having unprotected sex.

Unable to Curb Drinking

Functioning alcoholics may be able to go about their daily activities while drinking heavily, but they are unable to curb their intake or quit altogether. They may say they can stop whenever they want, but they are unable to follow through.

Need Help With Your Drinking? Call The Last House Today

Do you find yourself drinking more and more? Are you feeling that you are slipping away from loved ones? Do you fear that you are losing your battle against alcohol? Today is the day that you find the help you need. The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living network. Our sober living homes feature experienced staff as well as top-notch clinical and peer support. Our sober living programs are personalized to meet your specific needs, and we will give you the tools to bring forth the transformation you desire.

Call the Last House toll-free today and begin that change.

It is often said that addiction is a family disease. While the focus of drug treatment is to help and heal the addict, the family must also be part of the recovery process. Each family member has a role in the development of a loved one’s addiction. For the addict to have a supportive environment, the families of addicts must come together and learn how to grow and heal from the ravages of substance abuse.

Support groups for families of addicts provide the tools and support needed for families to understand their role in a loved one’s addiction. This article will explain the role of drug addiction support groups of families in an addict’s recovery. If your loved one is losing their battle with addiction, call the Last House toll-free right now. Our sober living programs are specifically created to help addicts and the families of addicts move past addiction and grow stronger.

Call us today to learn more about our Los Angeles sober living program.

What Are Addiction Support Groups for Families?

In simple terms, support groups for families of addicts allow people with similar experiences with addiction to share their stories in a safe and non-judgmental environment. These groups focus on supporting families of addicts and encouraging them to be active in their loved one’s recovery. Additionally, families of addicts support groups to provide resources that help families find the help they need to heal the entire family unit. Recovery support groups for families are an essential part of an overall recovery plan during and after formal treatment has ended and as the newly recovering addicts return home and resume their normal daily activities.

What Are the Types of Support Groups for Families of Addicts?

When a family struggles with a loved one’s substance abuse, they often feel alone. Fortunately, there are many family support groups available that can provide the encouragement and support they need. Some examples of family support groups are the following:

Alanon and Alateen

Alanon is a worldwide fellowship that provides a recovery program for families and friends of people addicted to alcohol. Alanon encourages families to provide support for someone with an alcohol addiction. If the person addicted is a teenager, families of addicts can turn to Alateen.

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones

Parents of Addicted Loved Ones is a Christian-based support group that provides hope through education and support to the parents of addicted loved ones. These meetings are open to all people, regardless of faith or background.

Families Anonymous

Formed in 1971, Families Anonymous is a 12-step group for family members of loved ones addicted to drugs, alcohol, or related behavioral health conditions. Like other family self-help support groups, Families Anonymous encourages attendees to share their experiences and struggles of a family member’s addiction in a safe and supportive environment.

GRASP

GRASP (Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing) is a support group for families and others who have lost loved ones due to substance abuse. GRASP was created to offer understanding, compassion, and support for those who have lost someone they love through addiction and overdose.

The Benefits of Support Groups for Families of Addicts

The benefits of family addiction support groups are numerous. As already discussed, these groups bring together families who share similar situations. In these groups, people can work through the stress and guilt associated with a loved one’s addiction together. These groups also teach families how to set healthy boundaries and eliminate the enabling behavior that allows addicts to continue using without consequences. Thirdly, family support groups help members let go of anger and resentment. Most importantly, drug addiction support groups for families give family members education and knowledge about addiction itself and how it impacts the user and those they love.

Does Your Family Need Help and Support for an Addicted Loved One?

Having a family member struggle with addiction creates heartbreak and hopelessness. While you may feel your loved one may never get the help, the help they need is just a phone call away. The Last House is Los Angeles County’s premier sober living program for men. We understand that family support is crucial to a loved one’s long-term recovery. Our sober living facilities feature family support meetings in addition to clinical and peer support. These programs and services give clients the tools they need to overcome addiction for good.

The Last House is Southern California’s premier sober living network. Our sober living homes feature experienced staff as well as top-notch clinical and peer support. Our sober living programs are personalized to meet your specific needs, and we will give you the tools to bring forth the transformation you desire.

Call the Last House toll-free today and begin that change.

Are you questioning your drinking habits? Do you enjoy drinking alcohol, but sense that you may be enjoying it a little too much? Alcoholism is a progressive and devastating disease that destroys the lives of users that the ones they love. Alcohol addiction is gradual in its development, and it is often difficult to sense when something isn’t right. You may be at that crossroads, and you may be asking the question of how do I know if I am an alcoholic?

If you are asking yourself that hard question, this article will give you the information you need to find definitive answers. You will learn more about the signs of alcohol abuse as well as the long-term effects of alcohol abuse. Importantly, you will learn where you can find help. If the constant question of am I an alcoholic is an everyday occurrence, call the Last House today. We provide sober living and clinical support to help you find lasting recovery.

What Are the Signs of Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse can range from mild, moderate, to severe based on the signs that you experience. The common signs of alcohol abuse include the following:

• Being unable to cut back or quit drinking despite wanting to
• Feeling ashamed by the amount of alcohol you consume
• Spending significant time drinking, thinking about drinking, or recovering from drinking
• Feeling urges to drink alcohol regularly
• Continuing to drunk even when it prevents you from fulfilling obligations at work, school, or home
• Continuing to drink even though it damages relationships
• Giving up or reducing social and work activities and hobbies to use alcohol
• Developing a tolerance to alcohol, so you have to drink more to achieve the same effects

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use?

If you abuse alcohol for long periods, you will experience a variety of damaging effects on your health. Long-term alcohol use interferes with the communication pathways in the brain, and you will experience problems with cognition and motor movement. Long-term drinking can also damage the heart and increase the risk of stroke, high blood pressure, and heart arrhythmias. You can also increase your risk of developing cirrhosis of the liver and alcoholic hepatitis.

Disturbingly, chronic alcohol misuse increases the risk of developing certain forms of cancer including the following:

• Head and neck cancer
• Esophageal cancer
• Liver cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colorectal cancer

How Do I Know If I Am an Alcoholic?

So comes the million dollar question:

How do I know if I am an alcoholic?

To truthfully answer that question, you must stop and take an honest look at your drinking. The following are telltale signs that you are engaging in problem drinking:

• Constant cravings for alcohol
• Drinking in isolation
• Losing interest in activities you once loved
• Irritability and mood swings
• Withdrawal
• Prioritizing drinking over your other responsibilities
• Drinking first thing in the morning
• Intense and persistent feelings of guilt
• Feeling unable to control how much alcohol you drink or to stop drinking
• Continuing to drink despite family, financial, and health problems

You can also take an alcohol test to determine if you are an alcoholic. Tests such as the CAGE Substance Abuse Screening Tool and the AUDIT Test are helpful in enabling you see the bigger picture. If you determine that you are an alcoholic, you must seek professional help. The rehab program you choose must have evidence-based programs such as detox, therapy, life, and coping skills training, 12-step group support, and aftercare options, among others. Experienced treatment staff must be able to customize a program that meets your specific needs.

The Last House: Sober Living That Makes a Difference

Are you struggling with alcohol abuse but are unable to commit to an inpatient program? Are you new in recovery and need extra support as you transition back into your daily life? As one of Southern California’s premier sober living networks, The Last House provides men from all walks of life with evidence-based sober living and clinical support programs that transform your life. The tools and support from staff and peers at The Last House will give you a solid foundation to build lasting recovery.

Are you ready to live your best life? Call The Last House today.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, binge drinking is said to be when an individual’s blood alcohol content reaches .08, or roughly five drinks for men and four drinks for women, within a 2-hour period. Binge drinking can increase the chances of alcohol addiction and alcohol use disorder. In this article, we’ll examine what binge drinking is and how to can stop binge drinking safely.

What Is Binge Drinking?

Simply put, binge drinking refers to taking large quantities of alcohol within a short period. Binge drinking can occur in various situations, such as parties, social events, or bars.

When people drink large quantities of alcohol in a short period, it leads to an increase in blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Individuals with a BAC of 0.08% or higher are classified as legally impaired and not expected to drive.

While binge drinking may not be as severe as alcoholism, it still poses a problem and can be a warning sign of alcohol abuse. Binge drinking can also lead to dangerous and possible life-threatening issues.

While alcoholism is a constant addictive behavior, binge drinking is usually a one-off behavior. It can lead to an increased risk of liver problems, alcohol poisoning, high blood pressure, and digestive problems. It can also result in vehicle accidents, physical and sexual assault, and unintentional injuries.

If you or your loved one are in recovery from alcohol abuse, The Last House ensures a safe, fun, program-oriented setting where residents can find purpose, progress, and build a foundation for a life that is not only free of drugs and alcohol but flourishing in all aspects.

Contact us today to learn more about our structured sober living for men in Los Angeles.

Is Binge Normal?

While binge drinking isn’t normal, it is one of the most common and deadly patterns of excessive alcohol use. While binge drinking differs from alcohol addiction, it is still a harmful behavior that can seriously affect your physical and mental health. Binge drinking is more common among adults and is highly prevalent among college students. Binge drinking on a regular basis can result in alcohol use disorder.

Call The Last House today at 1-866-677-0090 and learn more about our Los Angeles sober living program.

How to Stop Binge Drinking

If you or your loved one is consuming large quantities of alcohol regularly and you want to stop, there are certain steps you can take to achieve this. First, you can create a plan to cut down on drinking or stop drinking entirely. For example, you can restrict yourself to 2-3 drinks at most whenever you want to drink, which should not be frequent.

You can also inform your family and friends to have some form of accountability and support. Also, professional help, such as rehab facilities and support groups can help to curb binge drinking. This is the best way to stop binge drinking.

The Last House offers a safe and secure environment and treatment for individuals suffering from alcohol and drug abuse.

How to Recover from Alcohol Abuse?

Alcohol abuse is a spectrum of harmful drinking behaviors, including binge drinking and alcohol dependence. Alcohol abuse poses different types of negative effects on physical health, mental health, and social well-being.

There are certain steps to take to recover from alcohol abuse. Some individuals who abuse alcohol may be able to stay away from alcohol or reduce the amount and frequency. Family support and accountability can also help in recovering from alcohol abuse.

However, professional treatment is one of the most effective ways to recover from alcohol abuse. Professional treatment can include medication, therapy, support groups, and natural therapies.

The Last House Offers a Recovery Program

The Last House is a top-rated sober living facility in Los Angeles with the goal to create an environment that promotes long-term recovery. The Last House offers a safe and secure environment and treatment for individuals suffering from alcohol and drug abuse. Contact The Last House today at 1-866-677-0090 for a consultation.

Most people have an idea about what some drugs and alcohol can do to a person and how becoming addicted can affect a person’s life. Not everyone knows, though, how to recognize the signs that a person is suffering from a particular addiction like cocaine. The best way to get a person the help they need is by being able to tell when they have a problem. For a powerful drug like cocaine, there are many dangers of continued use. This means that the sooner you can recognize that a person has a problem, the better it is, and the more likely you are to save them from harm.  

The Last House is a sober living facility for men who have completed addiction treatment. We understand the danger that cocaine addiction poses and understand the importance of professional treatment in getting sober. We believe everyone deserves to live a life clean of cocaine. In this post, we are going to discuss the drug cocaine, the signs of a cocaine addict, cocaine addiction symptoms and what harm they can cause long term, and how to find cocaine addiction treatment in Southern California.

What is Cocaine? 

Cocaine is a drug derived from the coca plant that has been used for centuries due to its anesthetic and energy-giving properties. It is classified as a stimulant drug and is considered highly addictive. The drug was used in various parts of the world for medicinal purposes and at one time by medical personnel as both a treatment for various conditions and as an anesthetic for surgery and other procedures. 

It was not until the mid-20th century that the addictive properties of the drug were identified, and the drug was made illegal. The modern form of the drug appears as a yellowish or white powder that is sometimes sticky or gummy and sometimes cut with various other substances to dilute it. Most often, it is smoked or snorted though it can be liquified and injected or mixed with other substances to create different drugs. 

Cocaine is primarily used as a party drug though habitual everyday use is possible for those that become addicted. Many people use the drug due to the energy-giving effects that it possesses. It also suppresses the appetite and improves concentration as well as the ability to consume alcohol, which can make using the drug even more dangerous.

What Are the Long-Term Effects of Cocaine Use? 

Like most drugs, some long-term effects go along with cocaine use. All addictive drugs alter the body’s chemistry. However, cocaine works on the reward and stress centers in the brain. Over the long term, it is harder for a person to derive pleasure from activities because the brain produces fewer of the necessary “reward” chemicals. 

At the same time, long-term cocaine use increases the body’s stress response, making a person easily aggravated and more prone to stress over issues that otherwise may not bother them. Over an extended period, a person’s tolerance also increases, meaning they may need more cocaine to keep from experiencing withdrawal, leading to higher doses more frequently. 

What Are the Signs of a Cocaine Addict? 

Some behavioral and physical signs of cocaine use can tell you if a person is abusing cocaine and needs treatment. 

You may notice increased irritability and restlessness while a person is on cocaine, as well as fast-talking, hyperactivity, mood swings, and trouble concentrating as the drug wears off. You may also notice constant sniffling, a white film or powder around the nostrils, and even lesions in the nostrils. Prolonged use may lead to a loss of sense of smell and even a deviated septum. 

Depending on how a person uses cocaine, you may see other signs, such as marks at sites of injection, redness, and swelling. As we mentioned, mixing cocaine with other drugs can also have its own signs and symptoms. 

How to Find Cocaine Addiction Treatment in Southern California

While The Last House is a sober living home in Los Angeles, we also have access to other resources, including our clinical sober living campus in Santa Monica, an outpatient treatment facility for drug addiction. If you know someone who is suffering from cocaine addiction, contact The Last House. 

After completing their treatment program, they will also be eligible for our sober living facilities and the programs we offer. Whether they need continued support or are just trying to rebuild their life before returning to the ordinary day-to-day, The Last House is here to help with programs and even family support. 

Don’t let a cocaine addiction ruin your life; contact The Last House today.

Anyone who has ever had a loved one with addiction knows how difficult it can be seeing them struggle with their addiction and the strain it puts on relationships, finances, and just about every other part of a person’s life. However, one of the most complex parts of seeing a loved one with an addiction is knowing how to get them the help they need. There are many reasons why an addict doesn’t get the help they need; they don’t know how, they’re afraid, they don’t think they have a problem, or they don’t have the support they need to go through the process. In these cases, a drug addiction intervention is the best option to help your loved one get the help they need to get clean and sober and start rebuilding their life. 

The Last House is a Los Angeles sober living program that provides a safe place for those that have been through addiction treatment and want to continue rebuilding their life after addiction has destroyed it. We believe everyone should have access to the treatment they need to get and stay sober. In this post, we are going to discuss drug addiction interventions, what it is and why addiction interventions are crucial to the recovery process.

What is a Drug Intervention? 

A drug intervention is a meeting held by the friends and loved ones of a person suffering from addiction. The purpose of an intervention is to get a person suffering from an addiction to realize the harm their addiction has caused and seek help by going into treatment. A drug intervention can take different forms, but the end goal remains the same, to break the cycle of addiction. 

It’s called an intervention because a group of people is intervening or stepping in the way of the addiction to try and get a person some help. The way it typically goes, one person leads the intervention, including choosing an appropriate venue, gathering the rest of the friends and loved ones, and setting up the actual intervention. 

During the intervention, friends and family take turns speaking, sometimes reading from a script or writing a letter to the person with the addiction, explaining how the addiction has hurt them and the danger that it poses. Each person expresses their concerns and why the addict should get help while offering love and support. Once everyone has spoken, the addict is typically given an ultimatum to get help. 

If the intervention is successful, the family and friends work together, and the addict enters a treatment program for their specific addiction. Holding an intervention can drastically improve the odds of success of someone going to treatment and getting the help they need to get and stay sober for the long term. By building a strong support network, it is much more likely that the person will complete treatment and be able to avoid relapse. 

How to Hold a Drug Addiction Intervention

Putting together a drug intervention on your own can be a difficult task, but there are a few key things to remember when planning one. 

First, it’s essential to pick the right location, a neutral but safe place for all parties involved, including the person for whom the intervention is being held. It can be a relative’s home or a specific venue that is rented out for the purpose of the intervention. 

Second, it is important to gather everyone together and rehearse what they will say and how the intervention will proceed. It is important to remain supportive and caring throughout the process while also being firm about the consequences of the addiction and the potential repercussions if the person does not go into treatment. 

Lastly, suppose you think that you need help planning the intervention. In that case, it is always a good idea to hire a professional interventionist to help plan and execute the drug intervention to ensure it is a success. 

How to Get a Loved One Help With a Drug Intervention 

If you think your loved one needs help, an intervention is a right choice. If you have trouble putting together an intervention on your own, it’s important to reach out to the addiction services in your community to get professional assistance. 

The Last House is a sober living home for men that is available for those who have completed treatment, but we have a wide array of resources that clients and their families can access to get help and support. 

The benefit of a sober living home in Los Angeles is that it gives them a place to live while they rebuild their lives after completing treatment but before returning to a normal day-to-day life. We offer programs for drug addiction and even have a phase out program for those who are ready to transition back into society after sober living. 

If you have a loved one with an addiction, don’t wait to get help; call The Last House today and let us help you help them.

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.