Posts in category: 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 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.

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!

To combat teen drug use, it is crucial to understand why do teens use drugs in the first place. In a child’s earliest years, the parents are responsible for making the right decisions to ensure their child’s safety, development, growth, and health. As the child enters their pre-teenage and teenage years, they start to make their own decisions and form their own, unique personality.

These teenage years are critical to the child’s overall outlook on life, but they can be extremely worrisome for the parent. Their child will be exposed to a world of new risks and dangers that could have a negative impact on their ability to live a healthy, happy, and rewarding lifestyle. 

Of all the risks teenagers encounter, one of the most dangerous is the use of drugs and other harmful substances. It can lead to a number of other bad decisions and could result in drug abuse or drug addiction as they grow older. As we know, this often leads to self-harm or death.

Why do teens use drugs?

The CDC estimates that two-thirds of all seniors have tried alcohol at least once. Nearly half of all high school students have tried marijuana, about 40% of high schoolers have smoked a cigarette, and nearly 20% have taken a prescription drug without a medical prescription. 

Teen drug use is a growing problem in this country, but why do teens use drugs? Well, let’s take a look at some of the most common reasons:

• To satisfy boredom
• To experiment; satisfy curiosity
• To forget their problems; feel good
• To ease their pain
• To feel grown-up; feel independent
• To fit in; give in to peer pressure
• To improve performance (academically, athletically)
• They’ve become addicted to the drug

With that said, some factors can help reduce a child’s chance of using or abusing drugs. This includes having a good relationship with their parents, having high self-esteem, surrounding themselves with the right people, and staying busy with extracurricular activities.

What Drugs are Commonly Abused by Teens?

It can be a bit unsettling to know that teenagers are using or abusing drugs, and that feeling only grows more intense when we learn the many different types of drugs teenagers are using. When you consider the consequences, especially at such an early age, it’s a harrowing reality.

Let’s take a look at some of the most commonly abused drugs by teenagers:

• Alcohol – since alcohol is readily available in most teenagers’ homes, it’s often one of the first drugs or substances they try. To avoid this, keep your alcohol hidden from kids. 
• Nicotine – similar to alcohol, tobacco products are readily available in homes throughout the world. While tobacco is legal for those above the age of 18, it should be avoided. 
• Marijuana – with many states legalizing marijuana, it’s available and accessible now more than ever. It doesn’t take much for a teenager to get their hands on some. 
• Prescription Drugs – many children and teenagers are under the assumption that prescription drugs are safe and unharmful, since they’re prescribed by a doctor. 
• Over-the-Counter Drugs – since over-the-counter drugs are in most medicine cabinets in the home, they’re easy for teenagers to use and abuse. 
• K2 (Spice) – also known as synthetic marijuana, spice is a very common drug among teenagers that can’t get access to marijuana. K2 (spice) is a highly-addictive drug. 

Some drugs are more addictive and dangerous than others, but there’s absolutely no reason why teenagers should be misusing or abusing any of the drugs listed above. It can cause a great deal of distress not just in your life, but in the lives of those that love and care about you.

What are the Signs of Teen Drug Use?

Now that you know what causes teens to use drugs and why teenagers try drugs, you’ll also want to familiarize yourself with the many different signs of teen drug use. By detecting it early, you can begin the process of teaching your child the dangers and risks involved in drug use.

Here are some of the most common signs of teenage drug use:

• Lack of interest in hobbies they once loved
• Hanging out with the wrong crowd
• Change in sleeping habits
• Frequently breaking the rules
• Physical signs, including weight loss, red eyes, bloody noses, and tremors
• Avoiding contact, acting distant, or isolating themselves
• Engaging in secretive or suspicious activity
• Stealing money, cigarettes, or alcohol
• Poor performance in school
• Constantly asking for money

If you notice any of these symptoms in your child, don’t hesitate to take action. Consider contacting their primary doctor or pediatrician to discuss the next steps. If you believe it’s needed, you can also seek the help of a treatment program designed to help teenage drug users.

How to Find Drug and Alcohol Treatment for Teens

There are so many reasons why teens do drugs, and while they’re more accessible now than ever, that doesn’t mean children should use, misuse, or abuse them. If you believe your child is using drugs, there are things you can start doing today to ensure that it comes to an end.
That’s where we come in. At The Last House, we take great pride in our ability to provide sober living in Los Angeles. If you’d like to learn more about men’s sober living program in Los Angeles, contact us immediately!

Teens have been found to be vulnerable to addiction when they start experimenting with drugs, and rates have been rising over the years. Alcohol, marijuana, and tobacco are the substances that are most commonly used by young adults. Unfortunately, there are some risks of substance use that are unique to teens and young adults. For example, drug use can affect their growth and development, especially with the brain, frequently occurs with other risky behaviors, and can contribute to other health problems in their adult life such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and sleep disorders. 

What Causes Addiction?

The development of an addiction first starts in the brain. It starts with a neurotransmitter known as dopamine, which is a chemical in the brain that causes us to feel happiness. Typically daily activities that can release this neurotransmitter include things like eating your favorite dessert, seeing a family member, or doing a hobby that you enjoy. When drugs are ingested, an excessive amount of dopamine is released in the brain, causing a more intense form of happiness known as euphoria, which is known as the “high” that drugs cause. Because this high is very pleasurable and much more intense than typical daily activities can achieve, individuals will often continue using drugs to chase that high. This behavior leads to addiction and dependence on drugs. 

How is Teen Addiction Different?

Teen addiction is slightly different because they are often used for different reasons that adults report for using substances. For example, teens are highly influenced by their peers and may be more inclined to give in to peer pressure to use substances and “fit in.” Some teens also have difficult home lives that they are trying to cope with that are mostly out of their control until they are old enough to move out on their own. Additionally, teens are often not equipped with the tools to cope with peer pressure and other life stressors in the way that adults are, so they may be more likely to turn to drugs to cope if they are exposed to them. 

Why are Teens More Vulnerable to Addiction?

Teens have been found to be more vulnerable to developing an addiction if they start experimenting with drugs at this age. Some reasons for why they are more vulnerable to addiction include:

• Teens do not experience withdrawals as intensely as adults do. Therefore, this is not something that may deter them from using the substance. 
• Teens’ brains are more focused on the reward they get from the dopamine release than they are about the negative effects of drugs. Therefore, using reasoning skills is difficult for them because their brains are biased. 
• Their frontal lobe is still developing. The frontal lobe is what is used when reasoning skills are being used and developed. In addition to their brains being more focused on the reward they get from dopamine, they are also not equipped to weigh the pros and cons of experimenting or mixing drugs, to begin with. 

How to Find Teen Drug and Alcohol Rehab

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. 
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Teens often experiment with drugs for many different reasons. Although alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana are the most common substances used by teens, there are many others that parents and caregivers should be aware of that are also commonly abused. Some are prescription or over-the-counter drugs that are abused, and some are entirely illegal drugs. 

What are the 10 Most Common Drugs Abused By Teens?

The following data represents the most common drugs abused by teens and the percentage of teens that have used each substance in the past year. 

1. Alcohol
2. Tobacco/Nicotine
3. Marijuana: 36.4%  
4. Amphetamines: 8.7% (the top drug used in this category being Adderall at 7.4%)
5. Synthetic marijuana: 7.9%
6. Prescription painkillers: 7.1% (the most common drugs in this category are Vicodin at 5.4% and OxyContin at 3.6%)
7. Cough medicine: 5.0%
8. Sedatives: 4.8%
9. Tranquilizers: 4.6%
10. Hallucinogens: 4.5%

Why Do Teens Abuse Drugs?

There are many reasons teens might abuse drugs. It depends on the individual, their personality, environment, and more. Some reasons that teens may abuse substances include: 

• Trying to fit in – Teens will often use drugs when they perceive that everyone else their age is doing it. They don’t want to miss out, and they want to be able to fit in, so they experiment with drugs too. This is especially true for teens who have a friend group actively using drugs.
• To feel high – Drug use can cause the brain to release a lot of chemicals that cause a “high” or a feeling of euphoria. Teens will often experiment with drugs in effort of chasing this high.
• To ease difficult emotions – Teens will often use drugs to feel better when they are experiencing depression, anxiety, or stress. They may use it to numb the pain or to experience euphoria in place of that emotion. 
• To increase performance – Teens may often use stimulants such as Adderall to improve performance athletically or academically.
• To experiment – Teens may just be curious about what it is like to do certain drugs and try them for this sole reason. 

What are Signs of Teen Drug Abuse?

Sudden changes in behavior without a clear explanation for the change are often an indication that substance use may be an issue. Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Frequently changing friends.
• Decreased participation in activities that they used to enjoy or withdrawing from social circles. This can include quitting sports teams or clubs they used to enjoy, staying in their bedrooms more often, not talking to family members, or not going out on outings with old friends. 
• Breaking the rules, such as curfew, and coming up with fabricated explanations for this behavior. 
• Unusual aggressive outbursts. It may feel like walking on eggshells around them because they are unusually irritable. 
• Confronting them about possible substance use is met with an angry reaction. 
• Their grades start to slip noticeably, and they start skipping class or entire schooldays. 
• Mood swings.
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or pinpoint pupils. 
• A general lack of motivation affecting their school behavior, hygiene, and household chores. 
• Uncharacteristic behavior, such as stealing, lying, or disrespecting authority figures.

How to Find Addiction Treatment For Teens

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. 
Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Alcohol use is very prevalent among teens because it is often easily accessible and socially acceptable for them to experiment with. In fact, the legal drinking age was once set at 18 in some states and is 16 in some countries. Because it is so common, it’s important to be aware of just how prevalent it is and what signs to look out for that may indicate that your teen is struggling with alcohol use. 

How Common is Alcohol Abuse in Teens?

The Monitoring the Future results from 2019 indicated that alcohol use among teens has continued to be on the decline. However, it is still very prevalent. In 2019, rates of alcohol use in the past year were 52.1% for 12th graders, 37.7% for 10th graders, and 19.3% for 8th graders. Rates of binge drinking (defined as consuming five or more drinks in a short time) were 14.4% for 12th graders, 8.5% for 10th graders, and 3.8 % for 8th graders. 

Signs of Teen Alcohol Abuse

There are several tell-tale signs that a teen may be abusing alcohol (or other drugs), but it’s important to know that many of these signs are also often common teenage behavior. These signs are not a guarantee that a teen is using alcohol or other drugs, but they certainly indicate that something is going on with your teen and may require further assessment to determine the best intervention. Some of the common signs include: 

• Sudden change in mood in which your teen has increased temper outbursts, often irritable, and increased defensiveness.
• A change in academic performance, such as decreased attendance, lower grades than is routine for your teen, and increased need for disciplinary action at school. 
• They are not interested in things they used to enjoy or generally have low energy. They often seem like “nothing matters.” 
• Finding alcohol in your teen’s room.
• Sudden physical or mental changes that are not typical for your teen include memory lapses, poor concentration, lack of coordination, or slurred speech. 
• Changing friends and not wanting family members to get to know them.

How to Treat Alcoholism in Teens

The first step in treating alcoholism is detoxification. This step is not necessary for all individuals addicted to alcohol, but it is recommended to seek a medical professional’s opinion before skipping this step. Depending on the severity of the addiction to alcohol, people can have withdrawal symptoms when trying to stop use, which can be life-threatening. Therefore, it’s important to evaluate a medical professional to determine if inpatient detox treatment is necessary.

Once your teen has completed detoxification, they will start at a substance use program where they will engage in individual therapy, family therapy, and group therapy. Depending on the program, they may also have other activities available to them to help improve skills to maintain sobriety. These services may be provided in the context of a residential program, partial hospitalization, sober living home, intensive outpatient, or outpatient program. The program that a teen will need will depend on the individual teen, so it’s important to reach out to a mental health professional as soon as possible to create an individualized treatment plan.  

How to Find Teen Alcohol Rehab in Los Angeles, CA

It can be challenging to try to help your child with their addiction. It’s tough when they are not ready for treatment. However, talking with them, going over their options, and letting them know that you will always be there for support can be helpful. Once they are ready for treatment, it’s important to point them in the right direction of trusted mental health professionals that are trained in substance use. The Last House can help. 
The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to easily contact quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Prescription drug abuse among teens is surprisingly high. It is commonly used because it can be so easily obtained by teens. Most teens who abuse them report getting them free from family members or friends. According to a poll, 27% of teens between 12 and 19 years of age had reported using prescription drugs within the last 30 days. Abusing or misusing prescription drugs means that the individual is taking the medication that is not prescribed to them or using it inconsistent with how it is prescribed. 

Which Prescription Drugs are Abused?

There are three types of prescription drugs that are very commonly misused. The misuse of these drugs is a concern because it can lead to addiction and even death due to overdose. These drugs are known as: 

• Opioids – These medications are usually prescribed to treat severe pain. These include oxycodone, hydrocodone, diphenoxylate, morphine, codeine, fentanyl, propoxyphene, hydromorphone, meperidine, and methadone. 
• Depressants – These medications are usually prescribed to treat anxiety and help people sleep. There are three types of medications within this category, including barbiturates, benzodiazepines, and sleep medications. 
• Stimulants – These medications are usually prescribed to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). These include dextroamphetamine, dexmethylphenidate/amphetamine combination, and dexmethylphenidate. 

What are the Signs of Prescription Drug Abuse?

Sudden changes in behavior without a clear explanation for the change are often an indication that substance use may be an issue. Here are some signs to look out for: 

• Frequently changing friends, especially when you don’t know the friends and disapprove of them. 
• Decreased participation in activities that they used to enjoy or withdrawing from others. This can include quitting sports teams or clubs they used to enjoy, staying in their bedrooms more often, not talking to family members, not going out on outings with family members, and more. 
• Breaking the rules, such as curfew, and coming up with fabricated explanations for this behavior. 
• Unusual aggressive outbursts. It may feel like walking on eggshells around them because they are unusually irritable. 
• Confronting them about possible substance use is met with an angry reaction. 
• Their grades start to slip noticeably, and they start skipping class or entire schooldays. 
• Mood swings
• Bloodshot eyes, dilated pupils, or pinpoint pupils. 
• A general lack of motivation affecting their school behavior, hygiene, and household chores. 
• Uncharacteristic behavior, such as stealing, lying, or disrespecting authority figures.

How to Treat Prescription Drug Addiction

There are recommended phases of treatment that you will go through when starting on your recovery journey: 

1. Detoxification: The first step for drug treatment, even prescription drugs, is always detoxification. The withdrawals can be very uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous, so completing detoxification under 24-hour medical supervision is recommended. 
2. Complete intake and treatment plan: Once you complete detox, you will start your addiction treatment. This can include individual therapy, group therapy, support groups, peer recovery coaching, medication management, and more. This treatment can take place on an inpatient or residential program, which is the highest level of care, or on an outpatient basis through partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient, or an outpatient program. 
3. Resocialize into society: Once you complete treatment, you will have the skills to resocialize into society and be able to manage substance triggers that are likely to come up. Often, this may include staying at a sober living home, such as The Last House.  

Prescription Drug Abuse Treatment in Los Angeles, CA

The Last House has been around for over ten years to help men strive to achieve sobriety in their life. We offer a supportive environment with skilled staff whose passion is to help those with addiction concerns and services that promote building skills to maintain a sober lifestyle. Our program includes groups, therapy, accountability, and exploring sober activities. When you leave The Last House, you will leave with long-lasting connections and the skills you need to continue your sobriety long-term. The Last House is connected with Thrive Treatment to be easily in contact with quality treatment teams to ensure the care you are getting is consistent. Contact us today to learn more about our program and how we can help you.

Opioid use and addiction have been an issue in the United States for decades. Deaths related to opioid overdoses have gradually been on the rise over the past 20 years. More recently, fentanyl has been making the news because of the rising number of overdose deaths related to this drug. Overdose deaths related to fentanyl began to rise around 2012 and since has increased nearly 14-fold. These figures are very alarming and thus raise the question – Why is fentanyl so dangerous? 

What is Fentanyl? 

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, similar to morphine, oxycodone, and other pain relievers – except is it much more potent. It can be up to 100 times more potent than other opioids. It can be prescribed for pain relief, but it is typically used when patients become tolerant of other opioids. That is, they require more significant amounts of the drug to get the same effect. Because fentanyl is so potent, users can use less of this drug to relieve pain. When a doctor prescribes fentanyl, it can be given through an injection, a patch, or a lozenge. Fentanyl is also sold illegally in the form of a powder.

Why is Fentanyl So Dangerous? 

High Risk of Addiction

It is very easy to become addicted to fentanyl because of how potent it is. Once people become addicted, it is challenging to recover because of how severe the withdrawal symptoms can be. Many people will return to use to escape the severe withdrawal effects. People going through withdrawal from fentanyl experience muscle and bone pain, sleep problems, diarrhea and vomiting, cold flashes with goosebumps, intense cravings, uncontrollable leg movements

High Risk of Overdose

Because fentanyl is much stronger, it doesn’t take as much to get the same effect as other opioids. If one is not careful, it is easy to take too much and overdose. It is especially dangerous if someone is addicted to opioids and not educated on fentanyl. They could overdose unintentionally due to not understanding its power. 

Additionally, many people consume fentanyl without even knowing it and then overdose as a result. This occurs more and more often because many drug dealers are lacing other drugs, such as methamphetamine, cocaine, and heroin, with fentanyl to cut costs and increase effects.

Treatment for Addiction to Fentanyl (Or Other Opioids)

Overcoming addiction to fentanyl and other opioids is very difficult, but not impossible. Luckily, there are a lot of evidence-based treatments available to meet the needs of clients. Treatment options include:

• Long-term rehab: A 30-90 day stay at a 24/7 facility where you receive medication management and intensive group and individual therapy. 
• Intensive Outpatient: 90 days of intensive group therapy about 3-4 times per week and individual therapy and medication management. 
• Outpatient Services: Continued treatment that is less intensive once the client has been sober and completed higher levels of treatment. 
• Medication-Assisted Treatment: Medications available to help people maintain sobriety and combat cravings. 

How The Last House Can Help 

The Last House is a sober living home located in Los Angeles. We are an aftercare facility for those trying to build a life free of drugs and alcohol. We have created a facility full of staff that strives to see you grow. The Last House is a place for you to figure out your strengths and interests as you maintain your sobriety. We can help you to meet your needs through your recovery. Contact us today to figure out how The Last House and Thrive Treatment fit into your journey to recovery.