Understanding Substance Abuse

The reality of Substance Abuse has nothing to do with moral purity or whether or not your family is dysfunctional.  Addiction is not manufactured only in broken homes or the dark alleys of Skid Row.  Addiction can happen to anyone at any time or point in their lives, regardless of success, education, religious affiliations, or social status. Individuals do not need to have abusive drug-using parents or are homeless to turn to drugs. Individuals can come from cohesive nuclear families and have parents who earn six figures and take vacations in their summer homes. It is precisely our views about addiction that often lead to enormous shock when someone who comes from a good home abruptly dies without any known history or visible signs of chronic usage. The fact is that many overdoses occur primarily because of experimentation rather than daily use. 

The so-called war on drugs has turned into parades in funeral parlors with no sign of relief any time soon.  Part of the problem of failure to manage drug usage has a lot to do with the ongoing misunderstanding and over-simplification of addiction.  The mere assumption that addiction is something you can simply choose to stop tells us that many have no idea of the intertwined relationships between biological, psychological, and social components.

For starters, there is one constant reason for addiction, as many theories have suggested, because factually, if it were one core problem, the solution would have been designed and implemented eons ago. 

The key components that influence addiction need recognition before a concrete plan of action can be successfully designed and implemented.

• Biological – the brain’s reward system plays a critical role in cravings that often seem to occur out of the blue.
• Psychological – Mental health and emotional states provide the triggering factors in drug-seeking behaviors as individuals seek relief and balance.
• Social – Environmental opportunities facilitate access to both illicit and non-illicit substances. However, most individuals believe that getting rid of street dealers is the primary solution, but the fact is that many individuals get their drugs from the pharmacy and not the streets.

Many professionals believe usage is physical; compelling data presented by the National Institute for Drug Abuse (NIDA) demonstrates a high percentage of being physical, but most people still struggle to accept the data and often ignore books that contain biological explanations.

Most individuals can recognize dependence on heroin or crack but are not prescribed painkillers or mood-stabilizing drugs like benzodiazepine (valium, Klonopin), Xanax, Ativan, etc. One of the main reasons folks do not recognize prescription drugs as a problem has to do with the belief that prescriptions are safe since a licensed doctor prescribed them.

On social levels, drug usage has always been associated with street dealers and low-income neighborhoods, as a result generating surprised reactions when addiction becomes visible in nicer districts.  If there is anything you take away from this blog, it is to remember that addiction can enter any home at any time.

For folks unsure about what substance disorder consists of, it may help to seek objective expert advice from a treatment facility or the rooms of AA.  The benefits of working with clinical experts are that they utilize several diagnostic tools that can be used objectively without moral judgment or reprimand. In addition, The National Criteria for Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, or the Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services, can help with information on referrals and resources to help a person come to grips with their consumption of drugs and alcohol.

Personal note:  I worked in the field of substance abuse for over 40 years, starting while I was finishing my bachelor’s in psychology at Fordham University.  I have witnessed the changes in theories regarding addiction, from the disease model to the psychological and social model.  Throughout the years, I have observed that no one component alone designs addiction. My observation was solidified during the process of obtaining my doctorate in I/O psychology, where my research focus allowed me to fully comprehend the value of holistic treatment approaches that address the bio-psycho-social needs of individuals struggling with substance abuse.

Copyright © 2024 R. Castro

Resources and reading material:

Resources

I have included a few links with information on the biological and social aspects of Substance abuse.

The Neurobiology of addiction
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6767400/

The Science Behind Addiction
https://www.naatp.org/addiction-treatment-resources/understanding-addiction

Prescription Drugs Are Far More Deadly Than Street Drugs
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/wicked-deeds/201404/prescription-drugs-are-far-more-deadly-street-drugs

Reading Material

I have added a few books for individuals who wish to read more about the nature of addiction.  Keep in mind that some of the books focus heavily on the brain’s role in addiction, which may be off-putting for individuals who dislike scientific jargon.  I do recommend reading the science behind substance use because it provides a prescriptive that is necessary for understanding the biological aspects of cravings. I also included information for those who have family members struggling with substance abuse.


10th Anniversary Edition If You Loved Me, You’d Stop! What You Really Need to Know When Your Loved One Drinks Too Much by Lisa Frederiksen

Understanding and Helping an Addict (and keeping your sanity) Paperback –by Dr. Andrew Proulx (Author)

 

Understanding Overdose

There is an epidemic of overdoses occurring globally and hitting individuals that typically do not demonstrate addictive tendencies.  Families and friends are facing the horrific task of having to deal with the passing of their child, friend, or partner, whom they never knew used illegal drugs.

Many of the victims dying of overdoses are not necessarily long-term heavy drug users.  Some individuals may have had periods of experimentation with drugs, especially if they go to clubs or are in social circles with others who also consume on occasion. The fact is that many individuals dying from overdoses are not necessarily addicted or regular consumers of drugs.

Part of the reason that many individuals are overdosing has a lot to do with lacking the physical tolerance to survive the lethal dosages of substances. Physical tolerance to drugs occurs as individuals consume substances with regularity, allowing the body to adjust its chemical reactions.

What is an overdose?

The term overdose refers to the over-consumption of any chemical taken that induces a severe to lethal reaction that places the body in a state of dysfunction. The over consumption of certain chemicals can increase or decrease the heart rate, pulse, and breathing ability, impacting the heart, lungs, and brain function. In short, an overdose disables the body’s ability to function by cutting out the distribution of oxygen to the brain, heart, and lungs.

Whenever individuals hear the word overdose, they immediately imagine a person dying from heroin.  However, heroin consumption is definitely at the top of possible ways to overdose; other drugs can be added to the list.  To understand how overdose works, you need to review the different physical signs of overdose concerning the drugs ingested.

         Substance and Corresponding Signs of Overdosing

• Depressants (Alcohol, Pills: benzodiazepines, Valium): Reduced heart rate, drop in temperature, weak pulse, slow breathing, confusion, in and out of consciousness, vomiting,
• Stimulants (cocaine, methamphetamine):        Dilated pupils, dizziness, irregular heart rate, rapid pulse, panic attacks, excessive sweating, vomiting, confusion, irritability, tremors, rapid mood swings, paranoid, psychosis, hallucination, seizures, stroke, cardiac arrest, seizures
• Opioids (heroin, morphine, Vicodin, fentanyl):   pinpoint pupils, slipping in and out of consciousness, slow and weak pulse, choking or gurgling sounds, limp body, cold or clammy skin, discolored skin, especially lips and nails.

Mixed Drug Overdoses:    The signs will vary depending on the different combinations, as well as dosages. Mixed drugs can also be the most dangerous to treat because treatment can be counterproductive if the wrong dosages are administered due to synergistic reactions, meaning one drug can become amplified with the wrong treatment.  However, here is a list of the signs of mixed drug reactions:

Overdose Signs of mixing stimulants:

• Erratic breathing
• Increased body temperature
• Nausea and/or vomiting
• Panic attacks or chest pains.
• Seizures
• tremors

Overdose Signs of mixing depressants (opioids, benzodiazepines, alcohol)

• Slow breathing
• Weak pulse
• Altered mental status or confusion
• Passing out ​

Keep in mind that overdosing is not always fatal, but it can be if no medical attention is administered it can be.   When someone demonstrates signs of an overdose, it is best to call emergency services and get medical attention immediately or perform CPR or, when available, administer Naloxone. There is a law called the Good Samaritan Law that protects callers or administrators of CPR from legal ramifications if they are concerned with legal issues.  

Copyright. 2024, R. Castro

Resources and Reading Material

Resource sites:

Valuable information on Substance Abuse:
 https://www.nyc.gov/site/doh/health/health-topics/alcohol-and-drug-use-prevent-overdose.page

Fentanyl and Opioid Overdose Prevention
https://www.nevadacountyca.gov/3115/Fentanyl

Alcohol Poisoning
https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/sapb/Pages/alcohol_poisoning.aspx

Reading Material

I selected the following books to provide some more personal information on the topic of addiction, as well as the struggle and grief experienced by family and loved ones.  Some books are based on personal experience, and some are more clinical.  Most books are written for the layperson who lacks clinical training or a complete understanding of addiction.  Please feel free to add your comments on this page if you have a chance to read the recommended books.

 
Understanding Addiction: Know Science, No Stigma Paperback – June 19, 2021 by Dr. Charles Smith (author) & Dr. Jason Hunt (author)

Understanding and Helping an Addict (and keeping your sanity) Paperback –by Dr. Andrew Proulx (Author)

 
GRIEF: Acceptance, Permissions, and Understandings for Your Journey by Courtney F. Hurd

New Year

Many blessings to all of you on this New Year. I am thrilled to share another year of blogging. I am always surprised by the fact that I am still blogging regularly.

When I began this blogging journey, I did it mainly to help myself recover from brain surgery.

I was diagnosed with a brain tumor in New York in 2011, but since the medical follow-up was handled poorly by the hospital, eventually, I decided to ignore it.  Initially, I was told by one doctor that many folks had tumors, and often, they went unnoticed due to a lack of symptoms. The same doctor scheduled an MRI, but upon the follow-up appointment, he had left the hospital.  The next doctor scheduled another MRI, and the appointments were rescheduled twice. On the third appointment, he was no longer working at the hospital. What finally convinced me to stop trying to get the tumor checked out was another doctor who worked in the department that treated my asthma. During an asthma routine check-up, I asked the doctor to review my records because I couldn’t get through the neurological department for a proper appointment.  He candidly told me that since my diagnosis was over 2 years old, I should be ok as long as it didn’t grow or give me any problems like seizures or chronic headaches.  His comment gave me the green light to stop worrying until 2017 when I had my first seizure while living in Sweden. I ended up in the ER, and within 25 days, I got a tumor removed from the right frontal lobe. The operation impacted my speech, short-term memory, mobility, moods, and ability to learn Swedish, so I couldn’t fully integrate into the culture.  I struggled with depression, isolation, and adjustment.  Luckily, since I had over 35 years of experience as a therapist before relocating to Sweden, I was able to regain some functionality.  I used several methods to recover from surgery, which included writing, exercising, and changing my eating habits, as well as breaking old patterns.  Whenever I write about ways to cope and improve, I do it from personal experience and techniques I have used with the clients I worked with throughout my career as a therapist. 

Though I found many techniques helpful and quite effective in helping me recover, I do struggle with Aphasia and short-term memory issues.  I have learned through my healing journey that no matter what we face in life, what we encounter does not have to define our entire life.  We all encounter unpleasant and critical events that often leave us emotionally scarred and doubting our ability to cope and regain balance. I learned that self-forgiveness and patience are vital to living a balanced life, and no matter how hard we fight, we can only take things one day at a time.

 I will continue another year of blogging, even though there are times I genuinely do not want to blog. But I do so because writing for me is therapeutic and allows me to inspire others who might be struggling with similar issues. Copyright 2024. R. Castro

NOTE: 

If you are curious about my journey or some of the techniques I use, here are two links to the books I have written.  Keep in mind that my book on my recovery is not the most elegantly written because, as I said, I struggle. with Aphasia, plus I was in my early stages of recovery: https://wordpress.com/page/holisticcoachingsite.wordpress.com/2296 Sources on Aphasia –  https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/aphasia/symptoms-causes/syc-20369518

Coping with the Psychological Side of Physical Illness

There is a tendency to overlook the psychological components of getting sick, mainly because when we get ill, our body’s discomfort tends to overwhelm our ability to think clearly. We often encounter various challenges when we get sick that keep us relatively preoccupied and so consumed that we overlook our mental status. 

The natural worry about getting better and returning to a state of physical function does impact our mental state on many levels. Depending on how we typically live, getting ill can be more than a physical inconvenience; it can also be an emotional challenge for many of us.  For some individuals, getting ill can create feelings of vulnerability, frustration, annoyance, and depression.  The range of emotional states can create the perfect platform for making us feel defeated, fragile, and lost. Of course, depending on our illness, our emotional reactions will run the gamut from mild frustration to deep depression. Let’s explore some reasons behind our feelings:

•  For super-independent people, getting ill means delays with projects and relying on others.
• You have a young family or an elderly person who relies on you as their primary caretaker.
• We are often told to do things to avoid illness, and when we do get sick, it is natural to blame ourselves for failing to stay healthy.
• We may feel broken since we are limited in how we can function.
• We feel betrayed by our body since we did everything correctly to stay healthy, such as taking vitamins, limiting our calorie intake, and exercising regularly, yet we still got ill.
• We can become anxious over financial realities since many individuals may not have enough savings to stay at home to recover from illness.
• We may experience isolation depending on the illness we contracted.
• We may not have anyone in our circle of friends or family living nearby to assist us through our illness.
• Our recovery prognosis is not hopeful, so we feel doomed to a life of limitations.
• We lack the financial means to obtain proper medication or treatments to help our healing process.
• Our insurance does not cover every aspect of treatment.
• The medical system is challenged by economic priorities that clash with your finances, which adds to your mental state.

Our mental well-being is a core component of our ability to heal and overcome medical challenges.  The more we feel depressed, anxious, or frustrated, the harder it is to heal.  There is no easy remedy for overcoming emotional distress created by physical illness, but there are practical steps you can take to help.  For starters, here are a few tips.

• Be patient, and allow time to be your friend for now.
• Be kind and compassionate with yourself. In other words, treat yourself with the kindness and compassion you would show a small child.
• Focus on improving the quality of your life rather than trying to reset the clock.
• Keep a journal to help you sort out your intense feelings.
• Do something kind for yourself daily, such as eating breakfast, showering, or watching your favorite shows.
• Get online therapy if you can.
• Avoid being a superhero and let others help.
• If someone offers help, accept it.
• Feed your body daily, even if it’s small quantities. Lack of food will tamper with your moods.
• If you can’t go to the supermarket, look for online food options that deliver to your location.
• Avoid eating junk food since it will zap your energy levels even more.
• Try to get some sun for about 15 minutes unless you are on medications that require avoiding sunlight.
• Honor your body and allow it to heal in its proper timeframe.
• Follow medical recommendations unless you don’t feel your doctor is listening to your concerns.
• Be your medical advocate. Never be afraid to ask questions regarding your treatment, options, and what to expect.  
• If your private doctor makes you uncomfortable asking questions, get a second opinion. Never allow anyone to intimidate you into silence.
• Read all about the side effects of your medications. Ask your pharmacists since they can provide a printed list of side effects for all your medications.
• If you are working, ask your HRA person for help in seeking financial resources.
• You can apply for social security disability online if your illness is chronic and will impede your employment.

I will be honest: as I write this, I get emotionally charged because I know too many folks who have faced the situations listed in the blog. I also have had medical struggles that left me emotionally overwhelmed, but luckily, I live in Sweden, and the medical care covers everything; plus, I have a super supportive partner. However, if I had been at the time in my apartment in NYC, I may not have recovered completely and would still be owing thousands of dollars. Of course, I still faced emotional challenges, even while living in an ideal situation, which is why I wrote this blog. 

I know that every individual is different and that there is no one quick fix that can take care of every issue we encounter.  However, if there is anything you can take from this blog, it is the idea of being patient with yourself. Healing takes whatever time it takes, and the only thing you can do is take baby steps to improve the quality of your life.

Copyright 2023, R. Castro

Dating Someone with PTSD

It is not easy to date someone with PTSD. Though we may be very loving and compassionate, there will be periods when a person’s PTSD issues can flare up, making you question your relationship status. Of course, you don’t want to leave someone because they have PTSD, but you must know how to manage it; otherwise, the stress can create resentment and a severe wedge in the relationship.  The person with PTSD may not be aware of their patterns or how to manage them.  At times, an individual struggling with PTSD may be utterly unaware of how their trauma spills into their current relationship.

Now, I want you to understand that I do not recommend you become a therapist for your partner.  Even if you were a professional therapist, I do not recommend trying to analyze your partner’s trauma because it is not your place to do so.  This blog aims to help you develop tools that will allow you to recognize some of your partner’s traumatic patterns in a compassionate yet lovingly detached manner.  Here are some things to help you through the process:

• Though your words and actions may have triggered a memory, you did not create the trauma.
• Learn to listen without repairing or offering unsolicited advice since sometimes a person needs to vent.
• If your partner’s trauma triggers your history of trauma, seek outside help because you do not need to compare battle scars.
• Remember that your coping skills and healing journey are different, even if you went through similar situations.
• It’s okay to ask that you need them to tell you how to be supportive.  
• Avoid using therapeutic catchphrases if possible; even if you are a therapist, remember they are not your client.
• Conversations around trauma tend to be ongoing and will not simply stop because they told you once, which can be stressful to hear, so make sure you have your support system in place.
• There are no quick remedies for healing from PTSD, so be prepared to experience several episodes of triggered-induced behavior patterns.
• Many folks with PTSD self-soothe and often engage in self-sabotaging behaviors, such as overindulgence in substances, food, shopping, gambling, and negative self-talk.
• It is okay to maintain healthy boundaries because some folks may weaponize their trauma to feel secure within relationships.
• Some individuals have learned to function as victims of their past and may not often realize they are doing this, so be mindful and do not allow yourself to feel responsible for fixing the wrongs others did in your partner’s past.
• Learn to recognize when you are being blamed for abusive patterns committed by someone else.
•  Do know your limits when being with someone who struggles with PTSD.  You may not be able to handle the stress, so avoid pretending you can manage it all. Of course, you do not need to give up the relationship, but you will need your own support system to help you cope.

If you become overwhelmed, you can become resentful and easily irritated by your partner‘s inability to work through their issues.  You must maintain a healthy way of coping and make sure you take time to rest, recharge, and revive yourself; otherwise, you will feel like you are drowning. Remember that you are not the cause of their PTSD and should not be held responsible for repairing them.  Regardless of how much you love someone, you do not allow them to scapegoat you for the pain caused by people in their past.

Copyright 2023, R. Castro

Developing Confidence

The key to confidence is not about blasting your ego with the thoughts that you are better than others; no, it’s about being comfortable with who you are.  Confidence is about knowing your worth and not hiding your true self.  In gaining confidence, you lose the fear of being your authentic self.

Too many of us learned that we were not enough or couldn’t be more than who we are. Our spirit was crushed to the point many of us have not recovered and continue to hold on to the idea that we lack something essential in our being that makes us believe we are unworthy of opportunities or a decent life. The belief that we are not adequate destroys our chances of seeking more in our lives, so we settle. Though we have become masters at settling and have even convinced ourselves it’s ok, we even lack the courage to admit that we are not completely happy.

Courage is not about being fearless or without doubts or never making mistakes.  It is about being able to take action despite our feelings or thoughts.  Though many of us have become comfortable in our lack of courage, our desires to have a better life do not disappear.  On many levels, obtaining a better life depends on our ability to get the courage to move forward. 

Here are some reasons to work on your courage:

• Leave abuse relationships – Many individuals are afraid of leaving abusive relationships because they lack the courage to face life independently. Many folks in abusive relationships have been gaslighted so often; eventually, they forget to have any survival skills.
• Quit unhealthy work environments – Many folks endure horrible work conditions because they fear they will not find anything better. The fact is, if one never tries, they will remain stuck.
• Ask for the things we need – We learn to think that we are unworthy and don’t deserve better things, so we hesitate to ask for what we want. Learn to ask for what you need, even if the answer is no. Sadly, if we don’t ask, the answer is definitely “no” because people don’t read minds.
• Speak your mind – it is ok to share your views, especially if there is a situation where you are being poorly treated.
• Activate our dreams – Fear locks us away from opportunities and accessing our potential
• Finish what you started – it’s time to restart projects you suspended, whether it’s completing a degree or finishing your novel.
• Asking questions – It’s ok to question those in authority, especially if you are confused or unsure about something.
• Stop looking for validation – it’s okay to trust your views on things and stop double-checking with others.  Accept your opinion as being just as important as anyone else.
• Breakaway from toxic relationships– Regardless of how long you know someone, break away if they treat you poorly.  Initially, you will miss your friend, relative, or partner; however, you won’t miss how badly they treated you.
• Ask someone you like for a coffee – Take the chance to ask someone out for coffee if you want to get to know them.  Hanging out for coffee and a conversation is an excellent way to get to know someone you like.  Just remember, it’s just coffee.
• Make changes – If you have been stuck, face your hesitations and self-judgments to move forward.
• Live life drug and alcohol-free – it does take courage to get sober because you will have to face life on life’s terms. Of course, don’t go at it alone; go to a meeting, a program, or ask someone in recovery for assistance. It will be scary, and chances are you may be super tempted.

Courage will not change your life overnight, nor will it always give you the results you want. However, courage will put you on the track of your choice and allow you to move forward in obtaining your dreams and goals. Having courage is not the absence of fear but being able to move forward without letting fear dominate your life.


Copyright © 2022.  R. Castro