Recovery Unplugged Blog
What Can EDM Fans’ Brains Tell Us about Addiction?
Researchers from the University of Melbourne are attempting to study the brains of fans of electronic dance music (EDM) to gain further…
The Special Plight of the Touring Musician in Recovery
Summer is when touring musicians of all stripes hit the road to connect with their fans and expect their audiences. Touring is a fact of life for most musicians, and a great way stay immersed in their music while taking it to new cities and listeners; it can also be challenging for musicians who are in recovery, regardless of how far along they are on their journey….
5 Facts About Music Therapy for Addiction
When people hear about music therapy for addiction, they’re immediately compelled to ask numerous questions, not the least significant of which include…
The Relationship between Addiction and Poverty
According to the United States Census, approximately 45 million Americans live below the poverty line. Meanwhile, it is estimated that just over…
The Importance of Medically Supervised Detox in Addiction Treatment
Withdrawal is one of the most common roadblocks to long-term recovery. Even when an addiction sufferer recognizes they have a drug or…
Recovery Unplugged CEO Dines with the Governor
On April 27, Governor Rick Scott hosted a dinner event entitled Judicial Appointments and the JNC. Among those in attendance was none other than accomplished Fort Lauderdale Attorney and Recovery Unplugged Co-Founder and CEO, Marshall Geisser. The event was an opportunity for members of the Florida legal community to exchange thoughts and sentiments regarding the judicial nomination process on both the state and federal levels, and discuss the long-term impact of judicial appointments. Eligible attendees also had the opportunity to earn continuing legal education (CLE) credits and gain invaluable insight from the Governor and some of the state’s top legal experts….
The Evolving Depiction of Addiction in the Media and Popular Culture
Over the past few years, the themes of addiction and chemical dependency have been more and more prevalent in the television shows and movies we consume. This past winter, Netflix released two new series (Love and Flaked) that, while taking two decidedly different approaches to the concept, put addiction front and center several times during their respective seasons. The critically acclaimed HBO series Girls has also touched on the theme, while its network partner-series Vinyl has maintained it as a recurring source of dysfunction for its main character and his wife. This is, of course, in addition to the popular Showtime Series Nurse Jackie, which ran from 2009-2015 and focused on addiction as its primary narrative….
7 Rappers That Struggle with Addiction
No one is safe from addiction. More than 23 million Americans aged 12 or older — or 9.2 percent of the population — have abused drugs in the past month, according to the most recent 2012 data from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Alcohol abuse is just as prevalent in 17.6 million people, or one in every 12 adults.
While some superstars are able to overcome addiction and clean up their acts quietly and swiftly, it takes others years of struggle. In “the rap game” it is prevalent and even glorified but addiction is even a problem for them.
Here are 7 Rappers that you may or may not have known have issues with addiction. Here is what they had to say about their addiction:…
Inhalants: Not a Drug of the Past
It seems like a long time ago that our news broadcasts were filled with stories of teens getting in trouble for ‘huffing’ permanent markers and spray paint. Unfortunately, while these stories may not inundate our televisions and computer screens anymore, the threat and prevalence of teens, inhalants and addiction should still be on our radar. There are three main types of inhalants: solvents, gases and nitrates. The use of these inhalants creates a short “high” feeling, similar to the feeling of anesthesia. The numbing, drug-like sensation calms the body down and sometimes causes the user to go unconscious.
Obviously, the extensive use of inhalants turns into addiction and can have serious long-term effects and even instant death. The most dangerous aspect of inhalants and addictions to huffing is that many of the items used can be found in every household. Paints, hair sprays and lighter fluid are among some of the most common inhalants….
Art Therapy Can Improve Drug Treatment Outcomes
Addiction treatment is often a combination of medical treatment, psychological treatment, behavioral modification and peer support. It isn’t an exact science, and many strategies have been used over the years in an attempt to “cure” people of their addiction. Traditionally, treatment centers often use a combination of behavioral therapy, peer support, 12 step programs and a structured, supervised environment to help clients overcome addiction….
The Narcan Debate
Up until now we have discussed the miracle ingredient in Medically Assisted Treatment (MAT)-Naloxone. One of the more common uses is in the form of Narcan. There has been much debate on the availability and allowance of families and loved one to be able to obtain and have on hand Narcan in a case of suspected overdose of a loved one. Similarly to someone carrying an “Epi” pen for severe allergic reactions.
On the other side of that coin there are many statesman and legislators that do not feel that an addict’s family should be allowed to legally have Narcan (Naloxone) in their possession. This is causing much upset in communities with a high rate of mortalities due to overdoses. Should Narcan only be administered by medical professionals? The argument holds that in the time an ambulance and EMT/EMS workers arrive a parent or loved one can preemptively administer Narcan themselves. Once administered they can potentially not only save a person that has overdosed but every minute that passes without treatment causes further brain and physical damage to a person that could be prevented if Narcan is or was available in the home. Many of us have had to call 911 in an emergency, how long has it taken them to arrive in your personal cases? The argument against Narcan being legally available is in one case that some believe it would give the addict less fear of overdose and allow them to continue to use without fear of death. There was also an argument raised in a meeting with the FDA by a representative from the American Society of Anesthesiologists — that argued a physician’s direction is needed when using the drug. This meeting was called to decide on whether to make Naloxone (Narcan) available without a prescription….
Suboxone – Is it Obsolete?
Last week Recovery Unplugged spoke about Vivitrol and how it is helping many people in their recovery from substances. In the not so distant past there was a medication that promised the very same thing: Suboxone. Today, we are going to discuss the facts about Suboxone and the Pros & Cons of this medication. There recently has been some misinformation on the media regarding this medication. We all know or may have heard that South Carolina massacre suspect Dylann Roof had been at one point taking and possibly abusing this medication. Some of the claims were: Suboxone is a powerful mind-altering drug, Suboxone causes mood swings, “Suboxone can make you snap and cause severe depression”. Like any medication but especially a medication like Suboxone it should only be taken under the strict supervision of a qualified certified doctor. This is because Suboxone should only be taken by someone that meets the guidelines, requirements and criteria for the administration of Suboxone. Suboxone does alter the mind and affect behaviour especially when you stop taking it abruptly. There are mood swings such as depression noted as a possible side effect, as well as anxiety and insomnia. There is also an increase of these symptoms if discontinued abruptly. These side effects and symptoms are one of the reasons it should only be prescribed by a qualified certified doctor. A doctor follows his patient closely monitoring all of the possible symptoms and making an informed decision on each patient with regards to Suboxone….
Jonathan Rhys Meyers and Relapse
Jonathan Rhys Meyers is back on the wagon. The Tudors actor, who has struggled with substance abuse for years, opened up about a “minor relapse” he recently had via Instagram on Tuesday, May 26….
The Effects of Binge Drinking and Alcoholism
We’ve heard the term “binge drinking,” most likely attributed with college kids exploring their newfound independence. Binge drinking and excessive alcohol intake is so much more prominent than we imagine. This can lead to alcoholism. The effects of binge drinking can be detrimental on a person’s body and mind. What is considered binge drinking? Binge drinking is not just the act of drinking multiple days in a row, it is also characterized by drinking too much at one time, such as four or five alcohol-laden drinks or a six-pack of beer in one sitting. This type of consumption behavior is much more harmful to the body than having one drink a few nights in a row. You may be thinking about the harsh effects of an alcohol hangover that most people have experienced at some point in their lives when a night got a little out of control. Unfortunately, there are deeper consequences than just a headache and a morning of light sensitivity….
What is a Dissociative Disorder?
While the term may sound foreign, it is highly intertwined with drug and alcohol addiction and many times is the condition that must be treated in rehabilitation to help patients obtain sobriety. What is a dissociative disorder? According to Psych Central’s article, “In-Depth: Understanding Dissociative Disorders,” “Dissociation is a common defense/reaction to stressful or traumatic situations…1” that can become a disorder when a severe isolated trauma or a repeated trauma occurs, which “impairs the normal state of awareness and limits or alters one’s sense of identity, memory or consciousness. ” In short, if something bad happens to a person that is horrifying or occurs frequently, it can severely affect them mentally, emotionally and physically….
Music Therapy Makes the Difference
We are always saying that music makes the difference….
Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler Visits Recovery Unplugged
We were blessed to have a lifetime friend to Richie, Steven Tyler, who was in Florida to visit the Recovery Unplugged drug rehab center yesterday. Steven and Richie’s history goes all the way back to the 70’s, playing music and causing a raucous in New York. As their fame grew, the availability of drugs grew, and the glamorous rock-and-roll party lifestyle took hold. Both men are known around the world as notorious party animals. Richie and Steven shared stories with the clients about their experiences on the road, dealing with their addictions, and the subsequent bottom their respective consequences brought them. The main focus of the day though: recovery. Both Steven and Richie are two of the most passionate people when it comes to recovery, queue the music and the duo have so much love and compassion to share. They talked about what it was like to have everything and lose it to addiction to drugs and alcohol. Together they sang some of Richie Supa’s recovery songs like “Good Intentions” and “Last House on the Block”, and they also played a few of the hits they wrote together like “Pink” and “Amazing”. They had fun with the clients, letting a vocalist get up and sing while Steven played the bongos. After sharing a beautiful message of hope, Steven greeted clients and took pictures with everyone. Steven was well received by the clients, saying “He was so down to earth,” and, “wow, he really loves spreading the message of recovery”….
Are you an “Almost Alcoholic?”
Every day, millions of people drink a beer or two with friends or enjoy a glass of wine with a good meal. For more than 30 percent of these drinkers, alcohol has begun to have a negative impact on their everyday lives. Yet, only a small number are true alcoholics—people who have completely lost control over their drinking and who need alcohol to function. The great majority are what Dr. Doyle and Dr. Nowinski call “Almost Alcoholics,” a growing number of people whose excessive drinking contributes to a variety of problems in their lives. The difference between the “almost alcoholic” and the true alcoholic is a matter of degree, according to Dr. Robert L. Doyle, professor of behavioral health at Harvard University and psychologist Dr. Joseph Nowinski….
Long Term Sobriety
For those who have never struggled with addiction, it may seem like rehabilitation is the final step to lifetime sobriety. Unfortunately, the challenge of long term sobriety is a lifelong task as those who complete addiction rehabilitation must constantly battle with old triggers and temptations. This concept became even more vivid to me with the death of Philip Seymour Hoffman and a Chicago Tribune article, “Actor’s death offers lesson in addiction,” which calls attention to the long-term struggle of addiction even five or 10 years after successful drug treatment and sobriety. I am not sure how much you know about Hoffman’s life and struggle with addiction, but the latest relapse came after 20 years of sobriety, which unfortunately resulted in his sudden passing. With his death, the light has been shined on the issue of addiction and the long-term struggle with sobriety that one faces. According to the article, a study in 2007 “found that 2 of 3 people within their first year of sobriety relapsed. But for those with at least three years of clean time, the relapse rate dropped to 1 in 7. 1” Even though the numbers get better, that still isn’t great when you consider that most people expect those in recovery to be completely healed and living in sobriety for life. The article also says the reasons for relapse shortly after rehabilitation are very similar to that of long-term relapse – “the triggers that can prompt a return to drugs or alcohol — stress, poor coping skills, the belief that substance use can be managed — don’t change over time. ”…
Addiction to Exercise or Body Building
Eating disorders are a form of addiction that cause people to look dangerously thin or overweight. Less known is the addiction to maintaining a toned physique that suggests a career in bodybuilding or fitness modeling, which can sometimes be powered by the use of dangerous steroid drugs or unhealthy frequency of working out. If the idea of an addiction to exercise is foreign to you, I will unpack what this could look like briefly. If you attend a gym regularly, you see the men and women who very obviously spend a lot of time toning their bodies, which could even be you. Fitness is a very healthy habit that many people partake in daily. But, there are times that an unhealthy addiction can form in seek of acceptance, success in competition or feeding of a body image disorder (similar to that of eating disorders). This addiction, although rooted in a healthy habit, can be extremely dangerous to a person’s body. Despite the risk, someone with a body image addiction may look in the mirror and see a scrawny person when you see what looks like an Olympic body builder. Or, maybe, someone looks in the mirror and see an overweight individual, besides the fact that they are dangerously thin. In order to fix the ‘problem’ they will spend hours in the gym breaking down their bodies and pushing themselves past a healthy limit….