Category: Drug and Alcohol

What to Expect When Quitting Opioids

MDADS Quit Opioids

Quitting opioids is not easy. As soon as you cut down on the number of pills you take, the withdrawals start. This makes you nervous, and as time goes on, your mind tells you that you’re not going to be able to make it through the day. That’s when you cave.

 

Opioid addiction takes control of you physically, mentally, and emotionally. Getting away from it means teaching your body, mind, and soul how to live without them again.

 

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Understanding what you can expect as you go through opioid detox and then recovery can help you prepare yourself to quit them once and for all. Knowing what you’re dealing with is common will help you hang on until the withdrawals start to subside.

 

Playing the Mind Game

 

The mind is a powerful thing. As soon as you decide you’re going to either reduce the dose or quit cold turkey, your mind is already revving your body up in anticipation of the change. This can happen in as little as 12 hours.

 

The mind gets nervous. Something that was so normal before is going away, and that is frightening to the mind.

 

We are creatures of habit – internally and externally. Habits don’t die easily. It can take a month or more to drop a habit, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible. It just takes time.

 

When the Body Fights Back

 

The physical body reacts to the stress the mind is creating. The body starts to fight back by making you feel agitated, irritable, and anxious. It wants you to get those pills and it’s going to make you sick until you do.

 

You must resist. Don’t let your mind and body win.

 

The body will turn it up a notch when the preliminary withdrawals aren’t enough to make you use.

  • Runny nose
  • Teary eyes
  • Hot and cold sweats
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Cramps
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea

 

These withdrawals symptoms usually peak around the 4th day. Once you get over day 5, you will start to feel less sick. This is when your body finally starts to function on its own – free from the drugs that have been controlling your life.

 

But, wait, what if you still don’t feel well?

 

People can suffer from withdrawals for as long as a month, and there are some side effects of opioid addiction that can be felt two years later. Most of these are the mood swings, anxiety, and depression.

 

Does this make you not want to recover from your opioid addiction? Consider the consequences of NOT quitting.

 

If you don’t quit opioids, you will continue to suffer from the life effects that have made you want to end your addiction now.

 

  • Job loss
  • Relationship problems
  • Money trouble
  • Loss of control
  • Health issues
  • Cognitive difficulties

 

You don’t want to live the rest of your life using opioids. You know your tolerance will continue to increase, and getting your drug of choice will be increasingly difficult as the government cracks down on the opioid crisis.

Make your life easier and better by quitting opioids.

Get help with opioid withdrawal Today!

Factors Affecting the Duration and Intensity of Opioid Withdrawal

 

Everyone is different. Your friend may be able to get over opioid addiction in a week, while it could take you longer.

 

The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence says, “There are several factors that can impact the duration and severity of withdrawal. For instance, the more dependent a person is on hydrocodone, the more significant the withdrawal symptoms may be. Drug dependence may be influenced by family history of addiction, genetic and biological factors, as well as environmental aspects.”

 

In other words, you don’t know the intensity and longevity of your withdrawals. All you can do is buckle up, hang on, and refuse to let go. By doing whatever you need to do (besides using again) to rid your body of all opioids, you will get yourself back to a life free from the control of opioid addiction.

 

How to Get Through Opioid Addiction Withdrawals and Recovery

 

You shouldn’t do it alone. It can feel 10 times worse to go through withdrawals by yourself because you’ll constantly feel as though there’s something medically wrong with you and you have to use or you’ll die.

 

Medical supervision during detox and/or counseling can help you understand that what you’re feeling is normal and you’re safe. This will give you the strength to get through the roughest part of the detox stage.

 

Anyone who has tried to detox or withdraw from opioid withdrawal knows how difficult it can be, so if you are doing this for the first time, just take our word for it. Reach out for support as much as you can to stabilize yourself through the storm.

 

Once you get over the biggest hurdle, counseling is incredibly important to the recovery process. You started to use opioids for a reason, and you continued to use them for another reason. You need to know why you needed them so much, and then seek out healthier ways to cope.

 

Many people addicted to opioids are truly in physical pain. As much as living in pain can seem unbearable, there are other ways to cope besides being addicted to opioids. Working with a medical professional AND a counselor can help you find other pain management solutions.

 

You do not have to be addicted to opioids for the rest of your life.

 

Recovering from Opioid Addiction

 

Michigan Counseling Group can help you recover from opioid addiction. Not only do we have the services available to help you through detox and staying clean, but we have counseling resources to get you through the mental and emotional anguish you’ll surely go through in the next few weeks.

 

It’s going to be tough, but it’s going to be worth it. We understand what you’re going through, what you’re about to go through, and what life can be like after your addiction.

 

Addiction help is just a phone call away. Our specialists are available to give you the resources and services you need to tackle this life challenge you’ve found yourself in, so you can come out a much healthier, calmer, and happier person.

 

We know you’re sick and tired or being sick and tired. Let’s make this all stop for you.

 

Contact us.

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Categories: Drug and Alcohol Self-improvement

Tiger Woods Seeks Prescription Pill Class for Recovery

Tiger Woods Seeks Prescription Pill Class for Recovery

After his May arrest on suspicions of a DUI, Tiger Woods has sought and completed a recovery program in order to help him with his addiction. While it is unknown what Woods plans to do next, and if he intends to return to the PGA Tour, it does seem the program was helpful to him, according to his statement.

 

Tiger Woods’ Pill Addiction

Though the possibility of an alcohol addiction was ruled out when Woods was arrested, it soon became known that he was struggling with another type of substance use disorder, one that are a large number of Americans are currently dealing with: a prescription drug addiction. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, 7 million individuals reported past month prescription drug abuse, and the number has steadily climbed higher ever since.

 

While this is a serious disorder that can cause problems just like any other substance of abuse, such as arrests, overdose, etc., it can be treated with therapy, medications, and other options often found in rehab centers like the one Tiger Woods attended.

 

Rehab for the Golf Star

According to a statement made on social media on July 3rd, Woods says he has “recently completed an out of state private intensive program” in order to help him with his substance abuse. He states he will “continue to tackle this going forward” with the help of his “doctors, family, and friends.” He also mentioned his thanks for the support he has received from others.

 

Addiction is a serious issue that, in most cases, requires multiple treatment programs and a long-term recovery. As such, it is unknown whether Woods will require further care, but he currently seems to be doing his best to seek help and recover safely from this issue.

 

Michigan Counseling Group Offer Prescription Pill Class for Recovery

If you’re seeking a prescription pill class for recovery like Tiger Woods, you’ve found one right here. We offer an effective class that has helped many people who are addicted stop their struggles with prescription pills.

 

Our classes are led by experienced addiction counselors who understand what you are going through right now, and know how to end the turmoil that you’ve found yourself in because of your addiction. You will learn why you may have become addicted, how to start the withdrawal process, and how to live with the drugs in your life. It may sound frightening to live without them, but it is possible, and you can have a great life without them.

 

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Call us today for more information and to sign up for the class.

 

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The Tragedy of a Drug Overdose Only a Grief-Stricken Mother Can Tell

An image of a mother helplessly lying on a hospital bed with her dying son has swept the world on social media. This Canadian mother shared the post to send an important message to mothers and their sons and daughters that THIS could be them.

Her son overdosed on fentanyl. In the post, she writes:

“I just want everyone to know that my son Michael overdosed on fentanyl. My son was not an addict he made a mistake that cost him his life. I just want to make everyone aware of the epidemic that’s going on right now that’s killing 5-7 people in every city in Canada.”

She goes on to say that she’s lost her son to this horrifying drug, and really wants everyone to know that this isn’t just her son’s tragedy. It can be anyone’s worst nightmare. He was only 22 years old.

About Fentanyl

Fentanyl can be mistaken for heroin. However, it’s much more dangerous. The high is quick and strong. Heroin highs can last hours, while fentanyl can last only a few minutes. It’s because the drug is mixed with an unknown amount of heroin, marijuana and other drugs. No one knows for sure what is in it when they are using it. That’s what makes it so risky.

People are using fentanyl without even knowing it, and yes, addicts and non-addicts. Some people take the chance because of peer pressure, and they have no idea what they are really using is the deadlier form of heroin. Addicts are at a higher risk because they are often using what they buy off whatever dealer is available, and no one really knows what the drugs are made up of when sold. And when you don’t know what’s in it, you don’t know if you’re taking too much – a deadly dose.

What to Do About the Epidemic

This epidemic is killing innocent people around the world. We’re surrounded by people dying every single day because of overdose. It needs to end.

At Michigan Counseling Group, we are committed to helping addicts start and remain in recovery. Our services offer a full suite of recovery services that can keep people addicted to drugs in the community clean and productive.

Services include:

Testing: With regular alcohol and drug testing, we are able to keep people accountable for their actions. These services can be used by the court or for personal use, making it perfect for parole offices and parents.

Counseling: The underlying roots of drug addiction lie in not only biological causes, but emotional and mental ones as well. Counseling provides support, guidance, and education to help undercover the reasons why people turn to drugs, so they can learn better coping mechanisms.

License Restoration in Michigan: Losing a license can be a devastating experience for someone who is trying to get his/her life back while in addiction recovery. At Michigan Counseling Group, we help people get their life back for a low price. We believe in second chances, and with your license back. You can have that second change.

GPS Monitoring: GPS monitoring is another service we highly recommend. This can help parents, loved ones, and parole officers keep track of those who are having a difficult time staying on track. With this, boundaries can be set with alerts to keep people on the right path.

Please contact us for more information on alcohol and drug testing, counseling, license restoration in Michigan, and GPS monitoring. We’re hoping to help as many people as possible NOT become like the mother and son mentioned above.

 

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Source:

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2017/04/25/mom-shares-photo-dying-son-as-plea.html

 

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Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol

Driving under the influence of alcohol, or DUI has claimed more than 10,000 lives across the US, and has led to over 1.5 million arrests, which is quite a staggering figure for any progressive society. According to US government estimates, there is a DUI related incident recorded every 53 minutes.  The Drug Enforcement Agency, or DEA, is out there trying to prevent the sale and use of illegal substances and alcohol, especially among younger demographics.

DUI or Driving Under Influence

It is illegal to be driving or operating a vehicle under the influence of prescribed or recreational drugs and/or alcohol, and this is termed as driving under the influence. An individual can be charged with DUI if he/she is found to have alcohol or drug above a certain threshold level. Often people have to undergo Michigan Drug Assessment Test if they have been booked for DUI.

Some of the signs that confirm drunk driving include:

  • Driving at high speed,
  • Stopping the vehicle at without any reason,
  • Taking wide turns,
  • Driving on the wrong side of the road,
  • Swerving,
  • Switching off the headlights while driving at night.

The permitted limit of BAC or Blood Alcohol Concentration is 0.08. Alcohol affects a person both emotionally as well as physically while changing their behavior. From the liver to the brain, and from the heart to the excretory system, everything gets affected by alcoholism. However, when someone drives under the influence of alcohol, the chances of an accident tends to increase exponentially.

How Alcohol DUI is tested?

A Michigan alcohol screening test is conducted on individuals suspected of DUI, and when it is confirmed the individual is arrested for DUI. Presently there are 3 different types of BAC tests performed.

Breath Test

Very popular among law enforcement agencies, the Michigan alcohol screening test is compact and portable, and provides results immediately. During this test breathalyzers are used wherein the driver is required to blow into an apparatus containing air sacs. This instrument is capable of determining alcohol level in the breath.  

 

Blood Test

Though this is a more time consuming procedure, the blood test to determine the toxicity levels is more accurate. Since this is an intrusive approach, law enforcers need the consent of an individual before extraction. Not giving consent for this test, and later testing above the legal limit, will land an individual a longer jail term and larger fine as Michigan Super Drunk Law is some of the most strict in the entire US.  

Urine Test

This is the least accurate BAC test but can be used when the other tests cannot be performed. Michigan Welfare Drug Testing does not make this a mandatory test as the alcohol level in the urine often gets affected by other external factors.

 

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School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

School Drug Testing – Things you Need to Know

Drug testing at workplaces has become quite common but it is also being replicated in various schools. Reasonable cause/suspicion or random drug testing are fast becoming a normal occurrence in many schools. Michigan alcohol screening tests in schools are not the only tests performed on students, but there are urine tests for drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, opioids, PCP and marijuana as well. Usually random tests are performed on more than one student who are picked randomly for drug testing.  

Students who often take part in competitive extracurricular activities also have to undergo random drug testing. If the school suspects or has evidence of drug or alcohol abuse, then the urine of that student is collected for random drug tests. A Michigan drug assessment test is used for determining whether the student is involved in active drug or alcohol abuse. Evidence of drug abuse necessary for a random drug test include physical symptoms such as the student being under the influence, or series of erratic or abnormal behavior, and direct observations by school officials.

What is the need for drug testing in the schools?

Implementation of random drug testing in schools has been designed to discourage and prevent drug abuse among students. Random testing often acts as a deterrent, and also gives them a reason to avoid peer pressure when it comes to drug abuse. On the other hand, random drug testing also facilitates identification of the students using drugs and early intervention is made possible. Students testing positive during these tests can be further recommended for drug abuse treatment. Drug abuse in schools is rising with every passing day and if preventive measures are not taken at the earliest possible moment, then the situation might soon get out of control.  

Student drug testing cannot alone prevent or deter students from drug abuse and it should actually be part of a larger plan that includes prevention, intervention, and even treatment.  The primary aim of random drug tests in schools is not aimed at reprimanding students using drugs but to actually stop the abuse and help the students get out of the drug use. Whenever a student tests positive during a random drug test, they should be informed and counseled privately. Drug treatment programs should be recommended for students diagnosed with drug abuse.  

Much hyped programs like the Michigan Welfare Drug Testing has failed but when it comes to random drug testing in schools, it has been a grand success. Students have been made aware of the downsides of drug abuse; they have been prevented from using drugs in future and the ones tested positive are even recommended for treatment.

 

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Does Substance Abuse Counseling Really Help?

Does Substance Abuse Counseling Really Help?

If someone were able to get rid of substance abuse without professional help from a therapist or counselor then that would probably a great accomplishment. However, not everyone is designed physically or psychologically to take on their addiction directly – they usually need substance abuse counseling. There are several drug addict victims who cannot fight the battle alone since their cravings and relapses are quite tough to deal with.  

Substance abuse treatment in Detroit essentially includes substance abuse counseling along with family counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and several other approaches to help the victims recover from their addiction. Psychotherapy has the power to treat a variety of psychological conditions, which is often the underlying cause for substance abuse.

Why is counseling so important in treating substance abuse?

It’s not only physical dependence on the substances but also the social and psychological factors that puts person at high risk for a relapse. Some of the factors that can trigger a relapse are:

  • Stress,
  • Environmental changes like visiting a specific place or locality ,
  • Spending too much time with friends and family members who abuse drugs themselves .

These factors can be very strong, and can result in an irresistible urge to take drugs or other substances. Substance abuse counseling helps the addicts block cravings successfully and also helps them to deal with life situations in a confident, and appropriate manner.  

Detroit substance abuse treatment programs are extremely popular among residents of Michigan as they have proved to be very effective in dealing with substance abuse. Counseling therapies are a blend of several therapies in the right manner so that the problem of substance abuse in tacked in a holistic manner. Thus, there is no fixed approach to counseling and the treatment plan is customized based on the needs of the individual.

Several Metro Detroit substance abuse agencies prefer group therapies over individual therapies. The logic behind this is that in group therapies victims are challenged as well as supported by their peers who are also drug abuse patients. Another substance abuse counseling tool is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT, which helps a person identify the thoughts, situations, and moods which trigger a drug craving. They are also taught to use positive thoughts to weed out any negative thought that usually triggers substance abuse.  

Substance abuse treatment agencies have been helping substance abuse victims get over their addiction and lead a sober, healthy life. These benefits make it clear that people suffering from the problem of substance abuse, no matter how strong their will power is,  should always think about seeking help in the form of substance abuse counseling .

 

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Detroit Substance Abuse Treatment Programs – Lifeline for Teenagers

Detroit Substance Abuse Treatment Programs – Lifeline for Teenagers

One’s teenage years are the time when an individual is extremely curious and adventurous, which leaves them vulnerable to substance abuse. Many go through emotional ups and downs due to hormonal changes in their body, and they may use drugs to deal with these new feelings and problems. Because of those issues, Detroit substance abuse treatment programs have been sought after by parents who want to restore normalcy to the lives of their teenage sons or daughters. However, these programs are not always enough to prevent or deter youngsters from substance abuse – friends and family have to play a vital active role as well.

How does a parent know that their teenager is engaging in substance abuse?

This is quite a common question but parents must understand that substance abuse can begin at any age; however, people are usually drawn to drugs in their youth. If you notice sudden behavioral changes in your teenage child without any concrete reason like depression, lethargy, or acting withdrawn, then there is a chance that he/she might be abusing drugs.  There are some other obvious signs of drug abuse which includes change in friend circles, steady decline in academics, eating and sleeping changes, and/or losing interest in favorite activities, etc.

Substance abuse manipulates the brain and can be treated when you take your teenager for substance abuse treatment. Clinics in Metro Detroit are popular for treating teenagers successfully. Repeated substance abuse impacts the brain wherein the victims lose their ability to thoroughly weigh decisions, make judgments, memorize and learn, and control their behavior. Only you can help your teenage son or daughter and seeking professional help is the first step towards that.

You can start being proactive by taking your child to Detroit drug treatment centers where they will screen your child for symptoms and signs of substance abuse. These centers have addiction specialists and who have the necessary skills to take care of young people addicted to drugs. Getting your teen to subscribe for substance abuse treatment programs can be a challenging task because most teenagers don’t like the idea of going to a doctor because frequently they are in denial mode.

You may have to create some incentives for your teenager to go to the doctor and not get into a confrontational intervention as that could easily backfire. You need to understand that your child is still immature and you might have to force a few decisions while at times taking his or her opinion. It’s more of a trial and error method so keep trying because your child’s life is at stake.

 

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Michigan Substance Abuse Evaluation for Driver’s License Reinstatement

Michigan Substance Abuse Evaluation for Driver’s License Reinstatement

If you get a DUI in Michigan, restoration of your driver’s license is not impossible. In order to have your driver’s license reinstated in Michigan, there are a list of guidelines and tasks you must complete to prove to the courts that your alcohol abuse is under control and you will not be drinking and driving again. After getting a DUI, it is necessary to submit a request for an administrative hearing to the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division (using SOS 257 Form). People are typically allowed only one hearing a year.

Prior to the hearing for getting the driver’s license restored after a DUI, it is mandatory to undergo a substance abuse evaluation and it must meet certain specifications per the Michigan Secretary of State. The substance abuse evaluation will include the disclosure of all current and past use of drugs and alcohol. The drug screen analysis brought to the evaluation will be reviewed and discussed.

Schedule your evaluation appointment and print out the Michigan form SOS 258 (Michigan Substance Use Evaluation) to take with you. The SOS 257 Form and SOS 258 Evaluation will need to be submitted simultaneously for your hearing with the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division. When you arrive to your evaluation appointment, it is imperative you have:

  • Master Driving Record (call the Secretary of State Plus Office or order from Lansing, Michigan after having your license suspended).
  • 12-Panel Urinalysis Drug Screen
  • Four Notarized Letters of Support less than 6 months old: Letters have to be specific per the Secretary of State guidelines. Additionally, they have to be notarized by a public notary and cannot be older than six months at the time of your evaluation.

When you present your case at the hearing for your driver’s license reinstatement, you must include the following evaluation forms to the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division:

  • All evaluator results from exams and testing
  • Treatment history, including relapses
  • Substance abuse criminal record – charges/convictions
  • Support group attendance records
  • Evaluator’s diagnosis and positive prognosis
  • Person’s current living / work situation, address, environment, and lifestyle changes that have taken effect since the suspension
  • Any relevant information pertaining to the person’s present circumstances
  • Support description detailing what plan the person has for maintaining sobriety

If the substance abuse evaluation is not favorable, a lawyer can help guide you through the procedure of getting a second opinion in Michigan. While the substance abuse evaluation SOS 258 is a requirement from the Michigan Secretary of State Driver License Appeal Division when submitting your hearing request SOS 257 Form, it is not the only requirement for driver’s license restoration.

It is critical to change your lifestyle and obtain strong letters of reference from neighbors, friends, and co-workers that can attest to your change, as well as your character. Ensuring you have everything necessary along with your witnesses will best prepare you for the testimony with the Michigan Driver License Assessment and Appeal Division hearing.

If you or someone you know has lost their driver’s license after a DUI conviction in Michigan, we can help at MDADs with the Michigan Secretary of State Requirements and evaluation. Contact our professional, friendly staff today to learn more.

 

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Louisville, KY Latest City of Heroin Overdoses

Louisville, KY Latest City of Heroin Overdoses – 52 Calls in 32 Hours

The latest surge of heroin drug overdoses is in Louisville, Kentucky; where Louisville Metro Emergency Services reported they responded to 52 overdose calls in 32 hours (more than double for the prior week). The heroin epidemic has quickly gained momentum through America, plaguing communities with its extreme euphoria and horror. Heroin is traumatically affecting people and doesn’t discriminate; young, old, man, female, rich, poor, big, little. It doesn’t matter, no one seems safe from the horror sweeping the country.

The city of Louisville is not new to the heroin problem, and in fact, the city’s opioid problem has only been getting worse. The only change seen is the influx of people being rushed to Norton Audubon Hospital suffering from drug related overdoses, and the majority are heroin related. EMT’s, hospital emergency room doctors, and staff are just plain overwhelmed at this point by the sheer masses of heroin overdoses coming through the doors. Families, friends, neighbors, and co-workers all over the city have suffered through multiple funerals as a result of the heroin problem.

It is difficult to find a person in Louisville, Kentucky that has not been affected by the heroin epidemic.

  • On average, 22 overdoses a day are brought into Louisville, KY’s emergency rooms
  • In January 2017, Louisville Metro Emergency Services responded to 695 overdose calls
  • According to CNN’s news report – a Norton Audubon Hospital ER doctor treated 9 overdoses in one single shift
  • Midnight Wednesday February 8 through Friday February 10 at 8am (EST): 52 overdose calls into LMES (mostly heroin overdoses)

 

The frustration of those left behind has led to an overwhelming group of advocates fighting a substance abuse treatment and recovery process for those left twisting in the wind from a heroin or opioid addiction. Help is needed, and it’s needed sooner rather than later. Every day with no action is a day lost. Another day is a repeat of rising emergency room drug overdose cases and deaths.

Entire communities just like Louisville, KY are suffering from rising crime rates and cluster funerals as a result of the heroin and opioid epidemic. It’s time to stop focusing on the punishment for users and get to the root of the problem. It’s time to start working towards a mass solution in society to relieve the burden on the health care system, and to ultimately to prevent the senseless crimes and deaths happening in skyrocketing numbers.

 

How We Help

Michigan Diagnostic Alcohol and Drug Services helps you help those suffering from heroin and opioid drug disorders. We help you help them stay sober and focused on a life without drugs.

Drug & Alcohol Testing Services – When you are looking for instant lab results for your clients or offenders on probation, then MDADS has the solution! We have every product available for instant drug and alcohol testing to keep your loved one on track and accountable to their goals. All service results are admissible in court and legal proceedings.

Counseling Services – We help people find a way to cope day to day, learn how to live life on their own terms, and begin to heal from the wounds of their past with our complete counseling services. Counseling is critical to help those suffering from a drug problem get past the emotions or lifestyle choices leading them to drugs in the first place. We help people so they no longer feel hopeless or insecure about the future.

Offender Monitoring – MDADS offers a variety of monitoring solutions with M-TRACK, GPS, Scram CAM HOUSE ARREST, and BREATH PBT. Our solutions are so popular that they are already being used by bail bond companies and government agencies all around the country.

Source: http://www.cnn.com/2017/02/11/health/overdoses-spike-in-louisville/

 

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Opioids Overdose Deaths Epidemic Explainer

Opioids Overdose Deaths Epidemic Explainer – The Next Steps

Cuyahoga County, Ohio is the latest location to shine a spotlight on the nation’s skyrocketing opioid problem. CNN reported last week on February 8th at least 14 people had overdosed over the weekend in Cuyahoga County on opioids. We are barely into the 2nd month of 2017 and the Ohio Montgomery County Coroner’s office is already expressing concerns of running out of room for incoming deceased bodies. Last September, Cuyahoga County had 7 drug overdoses in a period of 24 hours.

Over 60% of the autopsies performed this year in that office alone have involved drug overdoses. The thing is this: Cuyahoga County is not alone. Cities, towns, and counties all over the United States have been enduring these high number of opioids drug fatalities in ‘spurts’ for a few years, which begs the questions;

“Why is it there an epidemic of opioid overdose fatalities in America and why are they happening at once in groups?”

 

One theory behind the problem is when a drug of very high potency, like Fentanyl, gets introduced to the community, the number of overdoses dramatically rising in a short period of time happens. A bad drug or a strong drug in a community (especially where addicts/users/criminals congregate to get a hold of ‘good’ stuff at the same time) leads to a greater number of people dying from overdoses. FYI- Fentanyl is the drug that music legend Prince overdosed on in his home.

According to Dr. Fiellin of Yale School of Medicine, the state of Connecticut concluded more than 40% of opioid-related overdoses involved people having other substances in their body. In other words, mixing pain pills or a prescription medication like Xanax with alcohol may prove to be deadly. The nationwide surging numbers include disturbing revelations about the problem including,

  • 91 people die in America daily from opioid drug overdoses
  • Synthetic opioids overdose deaths rose over 72% during 2014 to 2015 (CDC)
  • In 2015, over 33,000 people died from opioid overdose in America

What do we do as a society to prevent future opioid deaths?

Oftentimes, it is seen where people with opioid use disorder are actually using the opioid drugs to aid with withdrawal and not using the drug any longer for the high. This is because they have typically already developed such a high level of tolerance to the drug that it no longer satisfies their need for that ‘high.’

Developing a custom plan for the individual to learn how to live life without drugs is a process. It works best with the ultimate goal of the individual being able to comfortably function and live life as a contributing member of society. Congregation with other drug users is highly discouraged, as it has a high tendency to lead to temptation and relapses.

Instead of stopping at emergency medical treatment or a sentence for possession, there needs to be resources utilized to lower the risk for future use of the drug itself. Unfortunately, jail time doesn’t usually work to solve the underlying problem either. Saving someone’s life from overdosing doesn’t work to solve any problem, except the immediate issue of dying. Life reform needs to happen and it works best if used in a set of guidelines with the support of others around while actively monitoring the person for illegal substances.

How We Help

The products and serviced offered by Michigan Diagnostic Alcohol and Drug Services cover all of the needs you have for client or loved ones with opioid drug disorder. We can help you help them stay clean and on track towards a full and complete life without drugs.

Counseling Services – We help people in need, suffering from depression, mental disorders, and drug addictions to learn how to get past the loneliness, insecurity, and hopelessness. When dealing with drug and alcohol dependencies, it is important to get to the root of the problem the person has that is sending them running towards drugs. Instead, our services allow the individual to focus on the future and using new coping skills to get there without the need for mind altering substances.

Offender Monitoring – MDAD offers a wide array of monitoring solutions with M-TRACK, HOUSE ARREST, Scram CAM, GPS, BREATH PBT and they are utilized by local, county, and state agencies around the country. Bail bond companies are a big customer market too.

Drug/ Alcohol Testing Services – We offer all of the instant lab needs you have for your offenders and clients on probation. If you are concerned about your loved ones who are using or in trouble legally because of substance abuse issues, MDADS can help. Contact us for the testing services you need to help them stay accountable. All results are admissible in legal proceedings and court cases. Help keep them on track with our testing services, as being drug-free increases the chance of employment and passing their entrance screens.

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