Dental Problems May be a Sign of Drug Abuse

Dental-Problems-May-be-a-Sign-of-Drug-AbuseA dentist is an important part of a healthcare team. Often, they are aware of an issue even before a patient knows something is wrong, simply by conducting a thorough examination of someone’s teeth and gums. Prescription medications and illegal drugs can cause tooth decay, and excessive damage may indicate substance abuse and an addict in the family.

 

 

Tooth Decay and Illegal Drugs

Regular users of the following illegal drugs may experience the following types of tooth issues:

• Cocaine turns the saliva in the mouth acidic, causing dry mouth and erosion of tooth enamel
• Crack cocaine damages the gums, nerves in the mouth, and tooth enamel
• Heroin users get cravings for sweet foods, which leads to cavities if they neglect regular dental care
• Ecstasy causes dry mouth and teeth grinding
• Methamphetamine use leads to severe tooth damage, known as “meth mouth.” The drug causes severe dry mouth, which results in extreme tooth decay. Meth users compound the damage by grinding their teeth, neglecting to brush and floss their teeth for long periods of time, and binging on sweet foods and drinks.

Dental Problems and Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs can also cause tooth decay from dry mouth. If you or a loved one is taking medication other than as prescribed by a doctor or which have been prescribed for someone else, the risk of tooth damage is quite high. Chronic drug users are also at risk for plaque buildup on teeth, stained teeth (brown or yellow), eroded enamel, and cracks in the teeth.

Find Help for Dental Problems and Drug Addiction

If you are concerned about your own or a loved one’s teeth and think that drug use may have contributed to cavities or other health issues, start by seeing a dentist. Getting professional treatment and receiving information about the risks associated with continuing to use drugs may make an impact. Someone who has experienced tooth decay from drug use needs to seek professional help from a substance abuse treatment program.

Making the choice to enter one of the 90 day rehab programs available means you or your loved one will be able to focus your attention on getting well. Each client gets an individualized treatment program, which may include attending 12 step meetings, individual and group counseling sessions, exercise classes, nutrition courses, group outings, and time for reflection. The treatment process allows each client to learn how to look after him or herself better, including practicing good dental hygiene, in preparation for a sober lifestyle.

The Effects of Alcohol Abuse on Your Teeth

Alcohol abuse is an all-too-common problem in the United States. According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, one in four children grows up in a home where someone drinks too much. Most people are familiar with the dangers associated with drinking and driving and can appreciate that being under the influence puts them at risk for being involved in slip and fall accidents, but did you know that alcohol abuse can have an effect on your oral health?

Your dentist will tell you that the amount of alcohol you drink has a bearing on your risk of developing certain types of cancer, as well as your risk of tooth decay and other oral health-related problems.

Dental Problems Caused by Alcohol Abuse

Alcohol abuse can cause the following problems:

• Cavities (due to high sugar content in some alcoholic drinks)
• Erosion of the tooth surface
• Tooth decay
• Cancer of the mouth, larynx, pharynx, and esophagus

The results of a study on a group of clients at an inpatient substance abuse treatment center published in the Journal of the American Dental Association found that 85% of participants had “moderate-to-severe gingival inflammation, and more than two-thirds had a heavy accumulation of dental plaque.” Over three-quarters of participants had cavities, and 15% had missing teeth. This rate was higher than the general population, according to the researchers.

Treatment for Alcohol Addiction to Improve Overall Health

Someone who is struggling with alcohol addiction is dealing with a chronic disease which can lead to serious health consequences if left untreated. An addict is unable to stop drinking on his or her own; the person needs help. The longer the addiction is allowed to continue unchecked, the greater the damage is likely to be. Rather than waiting for an alcoholic to hit his or her “rock bottom,” a family can investigate 90 day rehab programs to find one that can provide detox and counseling services.

This is a serious matter, and there is no advantage to waiting. If you are concerned about a loved one’s drinking and aren’t sure how to bring up the subject, you may want to try to get him or her in to see a dentist for a check-up. It might be a way to start a conversation about the effects of alcohol abuse and oral health. Having the dentist and his or her staff talk about the consequences of drinking on teeth and gums may have more of an impact than a family member trying to broach the subject, and it may make a conversation about getting treatment for alcohol addiction easier.

Scott Shares His Story

If alcoholism is you over like it did Scott you might want to hear his story he is so authentic and real, he was lucky, he found a man with a HUGE heart who helped him” change to “Like many, alcohol was talking over Scott’s life. Scott shares his story of how his addiction was not only ruining his life but affecting his family’s lives as well. He shares his feelings about how lucky he was to find Kory Avarell and transform his life.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNdQYIXH5_I

Drug Treatment Programs Right Choice for Clients With Dual Diagnosis

It’s not uncommon for someone who needs treatment for a substance abuse issue to also be living with a mental illness as well. When a person is dealing with both issues concurrently, this situation is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis. Dealing with a loved one who has become addicted to drugs is challenging for any family, but when the additional stress of a mental health disorder is added to the situation, it becomes even more strained.

Understanding Dual Diagnosis

Both of these issues cause symptoms that can make it challenging for a person to cope with everyday life.

  • Someone may start using drugs to control the symptoms of his or her mental illness.
  • Self-medication can make mental illness more difficult to diagnose correctly.
  • Even if the mental illness is diagnosed appropriately, continued drug use may interact with medications used to treat it. Some medications are rendered less effective when combined with other drugs.
  • Side effects from the substance abuse can make the mental health issues more pronounced and harder to treat over time. It’s difficult to tell which symptoms are attributable to the addiction and which ones are part of the mental illness.

Get Appropriate Treatment for Both Concerns

Treating a client with a dual diagnosis is a special situation. Drug treatment programs that accept clients who have these types of needs are staffed by counselors and therapists who have the training necessary to treat the addiction and the mental health concern.

A client will need to be carefully evaluated to confirm the dual diagnosis. If necessary, he or she will need to undergo a detoxification process (detox) to rid themselves of all drugs before appropriate treatment for each condition can begin. Going away to a drug treatment center tucked in the California Mountains gives clients the opportunity to focus on coming to terms with their diagnosis (perhaps for the first time) and on healing.

Live Life Well After Being Diagnosed with a Mental Illness

It is possible to live well with a mental illness. Part of the treatment will include learning about the disorder and understanding what it means for the client’s everyday life. The treatment program for addiction will include healthy sober activities, including hiking, meditating, and exercise classes. Some instruction in healthy eating will also be provided; getting well means nurturing the physical body while working on the emotional and spiritual aspects of recovery.

Whether the mental health concern is anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, or another mental illness, getting the right treatment for a dual diagnosis starts with a proper diagnosis. The addiction can get in the way of people getting the right help for their concerns. Finding a drug treatment center with staff who understand the unique needs of dual diagnosis clients is essential for healing and recovery to take place.

If you suffer from addiction and think you might have a dual diagnosis, contact Above It All Treatment online, or call us at 1-888-997-3006.

Susie Checks Into Above it All Treatment Center

Valium, Drinking and passing out at 10:00 AM being found by her 18 year old step son – Susie checks into Above it All Treatment Center near Los Angeles California

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ByqufLczvR8

12 Step Program forms Basis for Treatment

If you are looking at drug treatment center for yourself or someone you love, you may be wondering about the approach to treatment used. There are many ways that professionals can help clients with substance abuse issues, but the Above It All Treatment Center focuses on 12- step programs to help its clients get clean and sober.

Why has the Center decided on this approach? It is a highly effective way to help addicts get sober and walk on that road over the long term. The 12 steps can be used by people of any religious faith, or no religious affiliation at all.

Working the 12 Step Program

  • Each person works the steps at his or her own pace.
  • The process is meant to be a lifetime process
  • The first step is for the addict to admit that he or she is powerless over the addiction.
  • Part of this process also involves making amends to those who have been hurt as the result of addiction
  • Another step involves taking a personal inventory
  • The final step in the process requires participants to be of service to others.

Being Accountable and Getting Well

One thing drug addicts are very good at is finding ways to avoid taking responsibility for their actions. At worst, they become professional victims and have a slew of excuses why they are not to blame for their addiction. They may even try to pin the blame on their family members or circumstances in their life to deflect it away from themselves.

Working through the 12-step program puts the responsibility for the addiction on the addict. They need to take a look at themselves and their actions and be accountable for the decisions they have made.

Other Treatment Programs Available

The 12-step program is one part of the treatment plan offered to a client who is admitted to the Above It All Inpatient program. Each client will receive specialized care designed to meet his or her individual needs. On arrival, clients are assessed. If necessary, they will go to detox so that their bodies are free from all chemical substances. Only when they are clean will the real treatment begin.

Clients may meet with counselors on an individual basis, participate in group therapy sessions, and see therapists on their own. They will receive instruction on nutrition and participate in hiking and other physical activities. Participating in 12-step meetings is an important part of the daily routine at the treatment center. The days are kept full, and clients learn how to enjoy a number of sober activities so they don’t have time to get bored while they are in treatment. The goal is to stay busy and keep working the 12 steps to get well.

Eventually, they learn how to integrate new healthy behaviors like these on their own, so they can leave the treatment center and liver sober, happy, and peaceful lives throughout the future.

Scared To Stop

Steve was known by first name at all the liquor stores he finally makes the decision to get help because his family would not stay in his life. He was embarrassed, he was like an epileptic he was scared to stop.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-GDjrBs-4Q

Alcohol Rehabilitation Centers In California: Take Time To Recover And Heal

Alcohol abuse is a very difficult form of addiction to treat. Part of the problem is that the substance is legal and socially acceptable to consume. Many people don’t see what the problem is with having “a few drinks.” They don’t see that a person who is an alcoholic is not a social drinker and has a serious, life-threatening disease.

Signs of Alcoholism

How can you spot the signs of alcoholism in yourself or someone you love? Here are some red flags to be aware of:

  • Loss of Control over Alcohol Use

An alcoholic drinks more than he or she wants to, and longer than he or she intends to, despite making promises to the contrary.

  • Inability to Quit Drinking

Despite wanting to cut down or stop drinking, the person has not been successful.

  • Lack of Interest in Other Activities Because of Alcohol

Alcohol use takes time away from activities that were enjoyable in the past, such as sports, hobbies, or spending time with family and friends.

  • Continuing to Drink Even Though it is Causing Problems

An alcoholic will continue to drink in spite of the negative consequences for his or her life, including damaged personal relationships, trouble at school or at work, or health problems.

Denial a Common Reaction to the Problem of Alcoholism

When confronted with a suspicion or the knowledge that there is an issue with alcohol, the first reaction on the part of an addict is usually denial. The person wants to deflect attention away from the problem so that they don’t have to deal with it. He or she may not realize that they have a substance abuse issue. The person may think he or she has been successful at hiding it from friends, family, and his or her employer.

Allowing someone to continue to deny the problem is not the answer. A much better choice is to persuade him or her to agree to get help from an alcohol recovery inpatient program.

Going to a treatment center in the California Mountains allows clients to get away from their “regular” lives and the stresses that fed into their addictions. They have the opportunity to go to a peaceful place where they can slow down and take the time to focus on themselves, possibly for the first time in their lives.

Focus on Recovery in California Mountains 

Through the counseling and group therapy programs, they can examine the reasons they became addicted and develop strategies for dealing with triggers that will tempt them to reach for a drink when they go back to their homes. The staff at the center helps clients get involved in a variety of sober activities, including hiking, day trips, meditation, and yoga, which help prepare clients for independent living once the primary course of treatment has been completed.

Above It All Treatment helps alcoholics get sober by assisting them in getting involved in healthy activities.  Contact us if you or a loved one is suffering from addiction.

California Rehab Centers: How To Choose The Right One

The first thing you need to understand is that each drug and alcohol recovery inpatient program is going to be different. All of them have different philosophies about how they deal with their clients and their approach to treatment. If you are looking for a program for a loved one and are harboring the least bit of anger or resentment about past events, it can be tempting to look for a center that promises to offer a “strict” approach to treating its clients. You want your loved one to receive appropriate help and support to get well. Here are some questions to ask to help you find the right program:f you have come to the point where you know you or a loved one has a problem with substance abuse that requires professional help, you already know how addiction can take over someone’s life. It can render you virtually unrecognizable to your family members, leaving a trail of broken promises, anger and shame behind. How do you know you have found the right treatment center? You need to ask questions before making your final choice to ensure that it feels like it would be a good fit.

 Does the inpatient addiction treatment center offer a number of programs?

Ideally, the treatment center you are considering can develop an individual treatment for each client. Some options would include the following:

  • Attending 12 step program meetings (Alcoholics Anonymous/Narcotics Anonymous)
  • Group therapy sessions
  • Individual treatment sessions with an addictions counselor
  • One-on-one psychotherapy sessions
  • Classes on nutrition
  • Exercise classes
  • Outdoor activities
  • Gym workout sessions
  • Study

 How much does the treatment cost?

Cost is a factor when you are looking at getting help for yourself or someone you care about. You may be able to find drug rehab centers that accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield or that will work with your insurance provider. Addiction is an illness and if coverage is available, don’t hesitate to use it to get help for yourself, your spouse or a dependent. The insurer will process the claim in a professional manner. Don’t let shame or guilt be a factor when it comes to getting help for a treatable condition.

Does the treatment center offer help for the family?

Families of addicts can benefit from programs, group therapy and educational seminars. Ask whether these options are available before making a choice.

  • Is aftercare offered once the inpatient program has been completed?

Transitioning to “real” life after spending time in a treatment program can be challenging for a client. Aftercare is an important part of the treatment process. For a number of people, being able to stay at a sober living house gives them the opportunity to be more independent while still having some support from a house manager.

Finding the answers to questions like these will help you find the right inpatient treatment program for yourself or someone you love.

What Life Are You Chasing?

Direction in life

A thought provoking question that I’m sure arises from time to time and makes you think. What life are you chasing and what direction are you headed?

Work on painting a clear picture about what you want and put your focus where it matters most. When you start to take those initial steps on what you want, the how will take care of itself.