Find Recovery Editorial Team, Author at Find Recovery

Embracing Sobriety: One Day at a Time with AA

Focusing your energy and attention on the present is essential to recovery. Instead of worrying about the possibility of a relapse or mulling over past mistakes, concentrate on the next 24 hours and what you can do to recover within that time. It sounds simple, but it has helped many people embrace their sobriety. Let’s explore the infamous “one day at a time” mindset and how it can help you stay on track with your recovery goals.

What is “One Day at a Time”?

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) offers different mantras and affirmations to remind you that you’re making progress every day, little by little.

“One day at a time” is one of those mantras. While not unique to the 12-Step Program, it aims to make the long process of maintaining sobriety achievable when it can feel impossible.

Many people recovering from alcoholism find it impossible to picture a life without addiction or drinking, especially in the beginning. This saying is a reminder to stay in the present, leave the past behind, and not obsess over the future.

“One day at a time” helps by giving them a task they can achieve right now: avoid drinking for the next 24 hours. Don’t think about tomorrow. It doesn’t matter if you drank yesterday. What you should be focusing on is the here and now.

The Benefits of Living “One Day at a Time” in Recovery

Studies have shown that alcoholism significantly changes the way the brain works. Managing cravings is not a matter of willpower or a moral flaw when your brain has rearranged itself around addiction. But you can reverse this rearrangement by following the 24-Hour Rule.

Promotes Self-Awareness in Recovery

When you only think about the end goal of “someday I’ll be fully sober,” you’re not really experiencing your recovery journey. For many, it’s not as cut and dry as quitting cold turkey and going on with their lives as if nothing happened.

Instead, it’s a lifelong process.

By focusing only on the future, you fail to see the progress you make every day. The 24-hour Rule makes you think about everything you’ve accomplished in just one day – big or small, it all adds up.

Encourages Mindfulness Throughout Recovery

The “one day at a time” approach helps you stay in the moment and connect with yourself, which can be especially useful during stressful situations or when you are overwhelmed by complex emotions. In those cases, coming “back to earth” can turn your day around for the better.

You can control feelings of anxiety by focusing on physical sensations. If you find yourself overwhelmed by everything that needs to be done at home or have a backlog of unfinished tasks at work, try to tune in to your senses first. List things you can see, feel, hear, smell, or taste. Even out loud if you think it will help.

Don’t spend your time and energy catastrophizing. Instead, try to calm down first and then return to your tasks.

Makes Recovery Seem More Manageable

How do you ensure you’ll stay sober for the rest of your life? Can you be sure that you will never relapse? That you will never have a bad day and fall back on old habits?

It can be daunting to think of recovery like this, but you can make the process more manageable by focusing on what you can do right now. One day at a time means you can learn to focus on managing the small aspects of life instead of constantly worrying about the future and what you can’t control.

“One day at a time” asks you to take your recovery day by day instead of planning out the rest of your life. There’s a place for long-term plans, but executing them requires a “day-by-day” approach.

How to Practice Living One Day At a Time?

Living one day at a time is easier than you think. Here are some strategies to help you get started:

Repeat Mantras: You’ll hear a few common phrases in group meetings and recovery circles. Mantras and slogans that help you keep the core beliefs of the 12-Step Program in mind when you need them. Feel free to pick and memorize your favorites or write them down somewhere you’ll see them daily, like a whiteboard, journal, or bathroom mirror.
Use Affirmations: Telling yourself you are strong in your weakest moments might initially feel insincere, but this isn’t about lying to yourself. Affirmations are promises you make to yourself, reminders of your worth and progress. Remember, affirmations aren’t goals. It’s not “I will be strong” but “I AM strong!” Being kind to yourself in this way while trying to do your best goes a long way.
Reflect/Journal: Living in the now doesn’t mean you never spare a thought for the past or future. Planning is still important, and looking back on your efforts toward sobriety lets you see just how far you’ve come, no matter where you are in your journey. Try to make time to meditate or simply sit in silence and check in with yourself occasionally. Journaling is also a powerful, fulfilling tool.

Living One Day at a Time Benefits Your Recovery

Addiction is a complex condition with many factors. It’s not shameful to recognize how powerful and easily it gets overwhelming. Thinking about perceived past failures or future challenges can be paralyzing, which is why taking things “one day at a time” helps you focus on what you can do now rather than overthink what was or could be.

Try to take your recovery 24 hours at a time, and you will eventually notice how being in the moment helps you be more mindful and appreciate the small daily victories.

Subutex vs. Suboxone

Despite some pretty major similarities, including sharing the same first syllable, Subutex and Suboxone are not the same drug. They cannot be used interchangeably or substituted for one another (unless designated by a medical professional). Join us as we dive into the differences between Subutex and Suboxone, how they work, and which one is better to use for opioid addiction.

What is Subutex?

Subutex is the brand name of a prescription medication used in the treatment of opioid use disorder. Its active ingredient is buprenorphine, a very weak opioid, which is used as a pain reliever and to reduce the intensity of withdrawal symptoms.

Subutex is typically prescribed during the induction phase of treatment (i.e. the beginning of treatment), but after they have already gone through the initial withdrawal phase from other opioids. It may not be suitable for long-term maintenance therapy for some individuals

What is Suboxone?

Suboxone, on the other hand, is a combination medication. It too contains buprenorphine (though it is not the same as buprenorphine), which means suboxone is able to safely activate opioid receptors and make opioid withdrawal a lot less uncomfortable. However, the key to suboxone’s success is its other active ingredient: naloxone, an opioid antagonist.

Opioid antagonists are the opposite of opioid agonists and prevent opioid receptors from being activated. Suboxone has both, which makes it uniquely equipped to deal with some of the key challenges that can occur in medically assisted opioid addiction treatment.

Suboxone is used during both the induction stages of treatment as well as ongoing maintenance phases.

How Subutex and Suboxone are similar

Both Subutex and Suboxone are FDA-approved medications used in opioid addiction treatment. They belong to a class of drugs known as partial opioid agonists which means that they’re technically opioids, but extremely weak ones — a key factor to why they’re so effective and their use is so widespread.

Being opioids, Subutex and Suboxone are able to bind to opioid receptors in the brain, fulfilling the body’s physical dependence on opioids and thereby reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. And since they’re only partial opioids, they don’t cause euphoric highs like their predecessor, methadone, which is a full opioid agonist. As partial opioid agonists, these drugs carry a low risk of abuse or addiction.

The biggest difference between Subutex and Suboxone

The main difference between Subutex and Suboxone comes down to what they’re made of: Subutex’s only active ingredient is buprenorphine while Suboxone is a combination of buprenorphine and naloxone.

Buprenorphine is a key ingredient in both Subutex and Suboxone which enables both medications to be so effective at treating opioid addiction, and the presence of naloxone in Suboxone doesn’t change that. What it does affect is the potential for long-term use of a buprenorphine-based medicine and that is why suboxone is preferred for the long-term maintenance treatment of opioid dependence over Subutex.

What does naloxone do?

Naloxone is an opioid antagonist that blocks the effects of opioids at the receptor level. It’s the same active ingredient in the brand name medication, Narcan, that’s used to reverse an opioid overdose quickly.

Its purpose as part of a buprenorphine duo is to discourage misuse of the medication. If Suboxone is taken sublingually (placed under the tongue) as it’s supposed to be, the naloxone component has little to no effect. However, if someone tries to misuse Suboxone by injecting it, the naloxone becomes active and initiates some very unpleasant withdrawal symptoms very quickly. This makes suboxone much better equipped to deter misuse than subutex, which has no chemical safeguard.

What does buprenorphine do?

Buprenorphine is the key component in medication-assisted treatment (MAT) for opioid dependence and opioid use disorder. It’s a partial opioid agonist that activates opioid receptors enough to alleviate withdrawal discomfort without producing intense euphoria. In addition to being an effective treatment for opioid addiction, buprenorphine is also used for pain relief and as an anesthetic.

Buprenorphine is a controlled substance due to its opioid nature. It should always be used under the supervision and guidance of a qualified healthcare provider. While the potential for abuse and addiction is low, all opioids carry some risk and should be used cautiously.

Even though it’s only a partial opioid, buprenorphine has a long duration of action and half-life (between 25 to 70 hours). This is great for addiction recovery patients because it means that the medication’s effects provide relief for a long time and don’t require frequent dosages.

If you or a loved one are looking for relief from opioid dependence, you can talk to someone for free at an NA meeting near you.

3 Alternatives to Buprenorphine (Suboxone)

Although buprenorphine-based medications, Suboxone and Subutex, are widely used as part of opioid addiction treatment (and are considered to be safe and effective), there are plenty of good reasons why someone would be interested in buprenorphine alternatives. Here are 3 other options that can be used instead.

Naltrexone

Naltrexone is the generic name for another FDA-approved medication used for the treatment of opioid addiction (Vivitrol is the brand name version). Unlike buprenorphine, Naltrexone is not an opioid. It’s an opioid antagonist like naloxone, the deterrent component in Suboxone, which blocks the effects of opioids.

Since it can’t occupy and activate opioid receptors in the brain, there’s no risk of naltrexone causing a high. That can be a double-edged sword since it also means that naltrexone can’t provide relief for opioid withdrawal symptoms. This medication is purely for disincentivizing relapse and is best suited for someone with less severe opioid addiction and who’s at a lower risk of relapse.

Methadone

Methadone is the predecessor to medications like Suboxone and Subutex, and was one of the first medications approved to treat opioid addiction. It’s a full opioid agonist (compared to buprenorphine’s partial opioid status) that’s powerful and long-lasting. This makes it highly effective for providing relief from opioid withdrawal symptoms but also gives it significantly higher misuse potential.

One benefit of methadone over a buprenorphine-based medication is that it does not require the patient to already be in a state of withdrawal, and it can be used at any time. Methadone can only be acquired through federally certified opioid treatment programs (OTPs).

Suboxone Alternatives

If you’re okay with using buprenorphine but instead looking for an alternative to Suboxone in particular, you’re in luck. Zubsolv is the brand name of another buprenorphine/naloxone combination. The primary difference is the form of the medicine: Suboxone is a film that’s dissolved under the tongue whereas Zubsolv is a tablet.

One benefit of this Suboxone alternative is for patients who require higher doses. Zubsolv is more bioavailable (more of the medicine is absorbed and used in the body), so it requires less of this medication to have the same effects as a larger dose of Suboxone.

Reasons Why You Might Want Buprenorphine Alternatives

Not all people will respond to medications the same way. Differences in physiological or mental health, diet, lifestyle, and a whole range of other factors will affect how a drug works in the body. Then there are differences in treatment preferences to consider, which can also vary based on individual circumstances and medical needs.

Side Effects

Some of the most common side effects of buprenorphine-based medications like Suboxone include tiredness, nausea, constipation, headache, and dizziness (but these occur in less than 10% of patients). Symptoms may be more severe in some individuals than others, especially if they have an opioid sensitivity, which could merit finding a different medication.

Allergies

It’s not common, but some people may be allergic to buprenorphine (or in the case of Suboxone, to the compound naloxone). Symptoms can include a rash, hives, and pruritus. Typically, a person allergic to buprenorphine is allergic to all opioids — so if you’ve never had a reaction before, you’re likely not at risk. Some of the more serious, but highly rare, symptoms can be trouble breathing (anaphylactic shock), low blood pressure, or loss of consciousness.

Concerns for risk of abuse

Though buprenorphine-based drugs are considered to be “safe”, it’s technically still an opioid and therefore has the potential to be abused, and in some cases, to even result in addiction.

Preferences in medication administration

Suboxone and other buprenorphine medications are typically taken sublingually as a thin film that’s dissolved under the tongue, or in tablets. However, different formulations such as long-acting injectable buprenorphine, oral tablets, or transdermal patches, may be a better fit based on a person’s medical history, lifestyle, or personal beliefs.

Co-occurring disorders

A person with a co-occurring disorder may be on one or multiple prescriptions and could potentially have adverse reactions when taken with buprenorphine medications. Some of the most common drugs known to have interactions with drugs like Suboxone include:

Alcohol
Antifungal medications, antibiotics, or antiretroviral drugs that affect the liver
Antidepressants (particularly monoamine oxidase inhibitors)
Antipsychotics
Barbiturates or other sedatives
Benzodiazepines
Erythromycin
Hormonal contraceptives
Phenobarbital
Rifampin
HIV protease inhibitors

Plus, some medications may simply be better suited to managing both the addiction and the other medical needs simultaneously.

Ease of access

At the end of the day, what good is a medication that you can’t get your hands on? Accessibility is a major factor in the viability of using some medications over others. For instance, Suboxone is only available through specially licensed medical professionals, many of which are limited to specific clinics.

However, accessibility doesn’t just refer to the ability to physically get the medication but also cost. In some cases, certain medications might be more affordable or more readily available. A treatment option that’s always free and readily available is support groups like Narcotics Anonymous. Find an NA meeting near you today.

Source: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541393/

Is it Dangerous to Mix Alcohol & NSAIDs?

Typical over-the-counter (OTC) medications seen as relatively harmless on their own become potentially dangerous when ingested with alcohol or when alcohol is already in your system.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are one such case. NSAIDs are OTC pain relievers that treat pain, inflammation, and fever. Some of the most common include ibuprofen, diclofenac, ketoprofen, meloxicam, and naproxen. While they can be safe in moderation, they can also lead to unexpected side effects combined with alcohol.

Let’s explore how NSAIDs and alcohol interact and who’s more at risk of experiencing side effects.

What Are the Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and NSAIDs?

Mixing alcohol with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can be dangerous for several reasons. Here are some of the potential risks and concerns:

Gastrointestinal (GI) Bleeding: Both alcohol and NSAIDs can irritate the stomach lining. When taken together, the risk of developing ulcers and gastrointestinal bleeding increases. Consuming up to 1 drink per day increases the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding associated with NSAID use by about 37%. This can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly.
Liver Damage: Some NSAIDs (sulindac and diclofenac), when taken in large doses or over a prolonged period, can adversely affect the liver. Combining NSAIDs with alcohol, which is also metabolized by the liver, can amplify this risk. This combination can lead to liver inflammation, liver disease, or even liver failure in severe cases.
Kidney Damage: Ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, and ketoprofen can reduce blood flow to the kidneys, leading to kidney damage over time. Alcohol can also have harmful effects on kidney function. When combined, the risk of kidney problems may increase.
Increased Blood Pressure: NSAIDs can lead to increased blood pressure. Alcohol can also have this effect, especially when consumed in large quantities. Combining the two can exacerbate hypertension, leading to other cardiovascular problems.
Exacerbate Medication Effects: Alcohol can intensify the sedative effects of many medications, leading to drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination. This can be dangerous, especially if driving or operating heavy machinery.
Risk of Overdose: If someone consumes alcohol to the point of impaired judgment, they might inadvertently take more NSAIDs than recommended, leading to an overdose. NSAID overdose can lead to nausea and vomiting, dizziness or vertigo, slowed or shallow breathing, confusion, or altered mental status. In severe cases, cardiovascular collapse, seizures, or coma can occur.

Other Dangers of Mixing Alcohol and NSAIDs

In addition to the dangers mentioned previously, here are some other risks associated with combining alcohol and NSAIDs:

Prolonged Bleeding Time: Both alcohol and NSAIDs can interfere with platelet function, leading to prolonged bleeding time. This can be especially concerning if someone has a bleeding disorder or is on other medications that affect blood clotting.
Exacerbation of Health Conditions: People with certain health conditions, such as liver disease, kidney disease, or peptic ulcer disease, can experience exacerbated symptoms when combining alcohol and NSAIDs.
Masking of Symptoms: Alcohol can sometimes mask the symptoms of an adverse reaction or overdose of NSAIDs, leading to a delay in seeking medical attention.
Impaired Judgment: Alcohol can impair judgment, which might lead someone to take more NSAIDs than recommended, increasing the risk of overdose or adverse reactions.

Who is More At Risk?

Certain individuals may be at a higher risk of experiencing adverse effects when mixing alcohol and NSAIDs:

Elderly Individuals: As people age, their body’s ability to metabolize drugs and alcohol can decrease.
Individuals with Chronic Medical Conditions: People with liver disease, kidney disease, heart disease, hypertension, or gastrointestinal disorders are at a higher risk of complications.
Individuals Taking Multiple Medications: Those on multiple medications, especially anticoagulants, antiplatelet agents, other pain relievers, or medications for blood pressure, may experience drug interactions when adding NSAIDs and alcohol.
Heavy or Chronic Drinkers: Those who consume alcohol regularly or in large quantities are at a higher risk of liver and gastrointestinal complications when adding NSAIDs.
Individuals with a History of Peptic Ulcer Disease or GI Bleeding: These individuals are at a higher risk of developing ulcers or GI bleeding when combining NSAIDs and alcohol.

FAQs

Can you drink alcohol while taking NSAIDs?

Those who drink heavily are at a higher risk of experiencing gastrointestinal issues when using NSAIDs concurrently with alcohol or shortly after. The National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) defines heavy drinking as more than three drinks daily for women and more than four for men.

Can I drink alcohol and ibuprofen?

It’s important to note that mixing any pain medication with alcohol carries inherent risks. Ideally, one should avoid consuming ibuprofen and alcohol simultaneously.

How long after taking NSAIDs can I drink alcohol?

For safety, it’s recommended to wait between 10 to 17 hours after your last dose of NSAIDs before consuming alcohol.

The Crucial Role of Step Work in Addiction Recovery

Recovery is a journey; for many, step work is integral to this process. Research suggests that step work, in conjunction with therapy, might not only lead to increased rates of addiction recovery but also sustained sobriety. Let’s explore the crucial role of step work in addiction recovery.

Understanding Step Work

Step work is primarily rooted in the traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA). Founded in 1935, AA is perhaps the most well-known step work program. It emphasizes the importance of admitting powerlessness over alcohol and seeking a higher power for guidance.

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) and Al-Anon, a program designed for families and friends of addicts, have very similar step programs.

This structured approach to recovery involves a series of actions and self-reflections designed to help individuals confront their addiction and build the foundation for sober living. Each step builds on the previous one, focusing on self-awareness, acceptance, and growth.

The Importance of Step Work in Recovery

The philosophy behind the 12-Steps addresses not just the physical aspect of addiction but also the emotional, mental, and spiritual aspects.

Personal Transformation: Step work is not just about abstaining from substances; it’s about personal growth. Individuals undergo a profound transformation by confronting past mistakes, making amends, and setting new intentions.
Building a Support System: Recovery can be a lonely journey, but step work emphasizes the importance of community. Through group meetings and shared experiences, individuals build a support network crucial for long-term sobriety.
Accountability and Responsibility: Step work teaches individuals to take responsibility for their actions. This sense of accountability is a powerful motivator for staying sober and making positive life choices.

Challenges and Criticism

While many have found solace and support in step work, it’s not without its critics. Some argue that the emphasis on a higher power can be alienating for non-religious individuals. Others feel that the structure can be too rigid. Here are some obstacles during the process of healing-by-step work:

Resistance to Change: It’s hard enough when the individual has to accept that they are an addict. By doing this, they face everything in their life that they have to change. Also, facing a new sober life may give them a sense of uncertainty by not knowing what lies ahead in their recovery journey. This fear can create resistance to change.
Fear of Overwhelming Emotions: Since the steps require a lot of self-analysis and trips to the past, it’s common to be afraid to remember stressful situations. For many, this can turn into a trigger challenging to manage, leading them straight into the road of relapse without proper guidance.
Lack of Professional Support: While the steps are an excellent option to start addiction recovery, it’s not the best route for everyone. People with dual diagnosis (struggling with addiction and mental illness) might not receive the assistance and help they need in such a program. It also doesn’t involve professional therapy since group talks are not led by trained therapists but by other members.

However, it’s essential to remember that recovery is a personal journey, and what works for one person might not work for another. Finding a path that resonates with you and supports your unique needs is crucial.

Tips for Working the 12 Steps

Step work is an excellent way to kickstart your journey to sustained sobriety and long-lasting recovery. Here are some tips to help you work through the steps:

Keep an Open Mind: Approach the steps with curiosity and openness. Remember, it’s a personal journey, and everyone’s experience will differ.
Find a Sponsor: A sponsor has worked the steps and can guide you. They offer support, wisdom, and a listening ear.
Attend Regular Meetings: Regular meetings provide a sense of routine and a supportive community.
Journal Your Journey: Journaling can be a therapeutic way to process emotions and track progress.
Focus On One Step At a Time: Recovery is not a race. Take time with each step and ensure you fully understand and internalize its lessons.
Stay Connected: Lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or your group. They’re there to help you through the tough times.
Find Service Work: The last of the 12 steps is about carrying the message to others that need it. Consider volunteering at meetings, helping newcomers, or contributing in different ways.

Find Recovery offers a comprehensive list of AA meetings for those interested in starting their step work journey or seeking additional support. Remember, recovery is a personal process, and finding the path that best supports your unique needs and challenges is essential.

Look Out for This Typical Addict Behavior in Relationships

All types of relationships, be they friendly, romantic, or familial, are strained when addiction is involved. Despite their differences, the harmful patterns disrupting these relationships are very similar. Recognizing common addictive behaviors in relationships can help cope with a loved one’s substance abuse and protect your well-being. Here’s what you should know.

5 Common Addict Behaviors in Relationships

Drug or alcohol addiction involves selfish, self-centered behavior. The addict may manipulate, verbally abuse, or gaslight their partner to get what they want, often leaving the loved one feeling trapped or pressured to accommodate the addiction. These are the most typical addict behaviors in relationships.

1. Codependency

In an addict’s relationship, codependency affects both parties. The addict becomes reliant on you, viewing you as their caregiver. You may become dependent on them, needing to care for them, leading to a loss of self-worth and identity.

This dependence gives the addict the illusion that they don’t need help beyond your care. If you try to leave this caretaker role, the addict may react aggressively. Becoming a never-ending vicious cycle.

2. Controlling Behavior

An addict’s life is chaotic, with their addiction and other life aspects out of control. They may try to control yours, dictating where you go, what you do, and who you’re with. This behavior can turn violent and abusive in relationships.

3. Dishonesty

Your partner might not initially disclose their addiction due to guilt or fear. They may lie about their daily activities, eventually resorting to making excuses about their whereabouts as the addiction escalates.

4. Gaslighting

Gaslighting is a psychological abuse tactic where the addict distorts your reality to continue their behavior. You may take time to recognize that your partner is gaslighting, as they’ll insist that they don’t need help, making you question your perceptions.

5. Manipulation

Manipulation often starts subtly, with the addict being excessively nice when making a request. They resort to begging, arguing, self-pity, or threats if questioned or denied. You can protect yourself from their unhealthy demands by identifying these manipulation attempts.

Other Signs of Addiction in Relationships

Drug or alcohol abuse can emotionally alter your partner, causing them to become distant or indifferent. Aggressive behavior towards you is not your fault. Other signs of addiction in a relationship include:

Isolation: Addicts may avoid family, friends, and romantic partners due to shame or guilt or to hide their addiction.
Obsession: Addicts might obsess over their partners or enablers, focusing on them more than themselves.
Poor Communication: Mood swings can obstruct communication, making conversations fraught with aggression.
Unhealthy Habits: Neglecting self-care and their partner’s needs while prioritizing drug use can erode the relationship.

Dealing with Addiction in Your Relationship

Seeing a loved one act aggressively and unpredictably due to addiction can be distressing. Here are some tips to help you:

Seek Help: Support groups for loved ones of addicts can provide much-needed understanding and reduce feelings of isolation.
Avoid Confrontation: Don’t argue with the addict while they’re using to prevent escalating tensions and potential violence.
Stay Calm: Try to remain objective and calm during confrontations. Identify manipulative tactics and think before responding.
Prioritize Your Mental Health: Focus on self-care and consider speaking with a therapist.
Show Support: If your partner starts recovery, be supportive and actively involved in their journey.

Setting Boundaries and Practicing Self-Care

Navigating a relationship with an addict can be stressful and emotionally draining. Prioritizing self-care and establishing firm boundaries is vital for maintaining your mental health and preventing enabling behaviors.

Setting Boundaries

Clear boundaries can help establish a healthier dynamic in your relationship. These could be related to finances, behaviors, responsibilities, or other aspects of your shared life.

Make it clear that you will not support their addictive behaviors, like providing money for substances or covering up their mistakes. These boundaries should be communicated openly, respectfully, and firmly, keeping in mind that they are set to protect both you and your loved one.

Understanding Detachment

It’s important to understand the concept of emotional detachment. Detachment doesn’t mean you stop caring about the person; instead, it’s about separating your emotional well-being from the chaos that addiction can cause.

It’s recognizing that you can’t control or cure your loved one’s addiction – they need to face themselves.

Prioritizing Self-Care

Amid the turmoil, it’s easy to forget about your needs. However, remember that self-care is not a luxury but a necessity. This can involve physical activities like regular exercise, a balanced diet, and enough sleep, as well as mental health practices like meditation, relaxation techniques, or engaging in hobbies and activities you enjoy.

Keeping a support system and sharing your feelings with trusted friends, family, or support groups can also be highly beneficial.

Stay Positive

Remember, helping your loved one doesn’t mean neglecting your well-being. By practicing self-care and setting boundaries, you’re helping yourself and creating an environment that could encourage your loved one to seek help.

If your loved one has a substance use disorder, don’t hesitate to seek help. If your safety is in immediate danger, call 911. Addiction affects people of all backgrounds, and there’s no shame in seeking help.

Is Mixing Energy Drinks with Alcohol Safe?

Energy drinks are beverages with high levels of stimulant substances (generally sugar, caffeine, and herbal extracts) marketed as a quick solution to increase mental awareness and physical performance. Red Bull, Monster, and Bang are some of the most popular energy drinks.

Some people enjoy drinking energy drinks and alcohol simultaneously to party longer. As a depressant, alcohol tends to slow you down after enough drinks, leading some to take energy drinks to counteract the effects of alcohol.

As we will see, this combination is problematic and may lead to many undesirable side effects.

The Side Effects of Mixing Energy Drinks and Alcohol

One of the main risks associated with mixing energy drinks and alcohol is the combination of a depressant (alcohol) with a stimulant (the energy drink).

Mixing depressants and stimulants can be risky because the results are unpredictable, often leading to both substances masking each other’s effects. When this happens, it’s easy to believe they’re not affecting you, increasing the likelihood of consuming more of both beverages and suffering more severe side effects from the combination.

Physical Side Effects

The physical side effects of mixing energy drinks and alcohol include the following:

Alcohol-related injuries. Some evidence suggests that mixing alcohol and energy drinks increases the chances of suffering alcohol-related injuries, such as car wrecks, falls, drownings, and burns.
Increased systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Primarily caused by excessive energy drink consumption. Some energy drinks also contain high amounts of sodium, increasing blood pressure.
Irregular heartbeat. Both drinks may cause irregular heartbeat, making them riskier in combination. This is especially true for people naturally vulnerable to the condition.
Dehydration. Both drinks make you want to pee, potentially dehydrating you if you pee too much.
Physical incoordination. Being uncoordinated increases the risk of falling and other alcohol-related injuries.

Cognitive and Behavioral Side Effects

Combining these drinks may also lead to some cognitive and behavioral side effects, such as:

A stronger desire to drink, as energy drinks, may increase the urge to drink more. The more you drink, the higher the chances of suffering alcohol’s side effects, such as alcohol poisoning.
Decreased perceived intoxication or being “wide-awake drunk.” Some people may feel like they’re less intoxicated than they are, leading them to drink more alcohol.
Impaired driving skills, heightening the risk of car accidents.
Risky sexual behavior from alcohol intoxication, such as unprotected sex.
Reduced self-control and ability to anticipate the consequences of your actions.

It’s also important to point out that the caffeine in energy drinks doesn’t affect alcohol metabolism.

Long-term Health Side Effects

Consistently mixing these drinks may lead to long-term consequences from individual and combined side effects, such as:

Chronically elevated blood pressure increases the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and heart diseases.
Sleep pattern alterations, such as insomnia. Long-term disordered sleeping may also lead to heart disease.
Chronically high triglycerides from excessive sugar consumption increase the risk of plaque forming in your arteries.
Gain weight from excessive caloric intake. Alcoholic beverages and energy drinks can increase caloric intake, accelerating weight gain and the potential side effects of being overweight or obese.
Higher risk of developing alcoholism.
Weakened immune system, caused by alcohol abuse.
Long-term alcohol abuse causes sexual dysfunction. Additionally, women may suffer from disrupted menstrual cycles and increased pregnancy complications.

Impact on Teenagers and Young Adults

Teenagers and younger adults are generally more at risk of the side effects of mixing alcohol and energy drinks. The fruity flavors and the high-budget, attractive marketing campaigns for a younger audience make energy drinks more appealing to college-aged adults and underaged teens.

Some data shows that younger people have a preference for this combination. A 2017 survey on adolescent drug use determined that 10.6% of 8th, 10th, and 12th-grade students reported mixing alcohol with energy drinks at least once in the past year. 31.8% of young adults between 19 and 28 did the same.

These statistics are unsurprising, considering that marketing campaigns for caffeinated alcoholic beverages (CABs, premixed alcoholic-caffeinated drinks) have historically targeted the younger demographic with flashy youth-oriented graphics, often associating them with extreme sports and risk-taking behavior.

In November 2010, however, the FDA warned seven CAB manufacturers their product could not stay in the market, and the manufacturers removed the stimulants from their drinks.

However, banning CABs from the market doesn’t change the fact that mixing alcohol and energy drinks is very easy, leaving teens and college-aged adults vulnerable to their side effects.

Additional factors like peer pressure, inexperience, or lack of knowledge of either drink’s side effects may still make teens and younger people more vulnerable to mixing them.

Educating teens and younger adults close to you about their side effects and long-term consequences is important.

Are Energy Drinks Riskier Than Other Caffeinated Drinks Combined With Alcohol?

In addition to caffeine, many energy drinks contain other ingredients like sugar, ginseng, guarana, and B vitamins. Ginseng, for example, may cause dizziness, sluggishness, drowsiness, and shortness of breath when combined with alcohol.

Mixing alcohol with energy drinks may expose you to the side effects of additional ingredients combined with alcohol (on top of caffeine), depending on the concentration.

How to Minimize Risks?

The best way to mitigate the combined risks of energy drinks and alcohol is not to combine them. Still, you may like the taste or how the caffeine-alcohol combination makes you feel. In those cases, moderation is the name of the game.

Try following these recommendations if you plan to combine energy drinks and alcohol:

If you like the stimulant effect when you drink alcohol, try to drink a caffeinated drink a few hours before you start consuming alcohol. Even a cup of coffee hours earlier helps you stay more “awake” while drinking.
Try to avoid energy drinks with high sugar content. Sugary drinks are addictive and may lead you to drinking higher quantities in short periods.
Drink water between alcoholic or energy drinks. It helps you rehydrate and lessens tomorrow’s hangover.
Drink only with people you trust.
Have a plan for returning home that doesn’t include driving.
If going out with friends, plan where you’re going and stick to that plan. It’ll help control your drinking.

Ultimately, the best solution is not mixing them since mixing energy drinks with alcohol is riskier than only drinking alcohol. But if you combine them, follow the advice above and listen to your body.

When you start to feel too drunk, uncoordinated, or any other side effects of this combo, stop mixing them and rehydrate.

If you or anyone close to you frequently mixes alcohol with energy drinks and suffers consistent side effects, they would likely benefit from talking to a professional and developing coping skills. It’s always possible to overcome substance abuse and dependence with the right support system.

Buprenorphine: FDA Warnings Include Tooth Decay

Buprenorphine is one of the most effective medications for treating opioid use disorder (OUD). When combined with counseling and behavioral therapies, buprenorphine can help people with opioid addiction achieve and sustain long-term recovery.

However, the FDA recently released a warning about dental problems, especially tooth decay, in patients with buprenorphine treatments. This warning is specifically for buprenorphine oral tablets and films that are placed under the tongue or on the inside of the cheek.

If you or someone you know is taking buprenorphine, here’s what you need to know about the FDA warning about related dental problems.

What is Buprenorphine?

Buprenorphine is a partial opioid agonist derived from opioids that alters the brain and nervous system’s reaction to pain. It produces euphoria at low to moderate doses, weaker than full opioids like methadone and heroin.

When taken as prescribed, buprenorphine can help diminish the effects of opioid dependency, including withdrawal symptoms and cravings. It increases safety in case of overdose to potentially prevent death. And can lower the potential for opioid misuse.

Buprenorphine is FDA-approved for the treatment of opioid abuse in multiple products, including:

Buprenorphine/Naloxone sublingual tablets
Subutex (buprenorphine sublingual tablets)
Suboxone (buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual films)
Zubsolv (buprenorphine/naloxone sublingual tablets)
Bunavail (buprenorphine/naloxone buccal film)
Probuphine (buprenorphine implants)
Sublocade (buprenorphine extended-release injection)

Buprenorphine and Tooth Decay

According to the 2022 FDA warning, medications that include buprenorphine, such as Suboxone, could cause tooth decay due to acid exposure to teeth and gums.

In their communication, the organization identified 305 cases of dental problems related to dissolved-in-the-mouth buprenorphine medicines. Remember, these were only directly reported and published in medical literature cases; there could be more that they’re unaware of.

The most common symptoms include:

Tooth decay
Cavities
Bad breath
Oral infections
Tooth fracture
Loss of teeth

Most of them were using buprenorphine for OUD, but 28 were using it for pain treatment. In at least 26 cases, patients had no prior history of dental problems. Some cases reported dental issues as soon as two weeks after treatment began.

It’s important to note that the buprenorphine medicines associated with dental problems are only tablets and films dissolved under the tongue or placed against the cheek.

Unfortunately, the FDA didn’t pinpoint any risk factors for dental problems in people who use buprenorphine medicines. And they also noted that the benefits of buprenorphine far outweigh the potential risks. The comprehensive approach of using buprenorphine combined with counseling is still one of the most effective ways to treat OUD and help people sustain addiction recovery.

Connection Between Buprenorphine Treatment and Dental Health

In one study of patients taking buprenorphine for over 45 months, researchers found many reported dental issues, including caries, fillings, cracked teeth, crown placements, root canal treatments, and tooth extractions. More than half of the participants reported toothache pain.

These dental issues mirror findings from previous reports; a significant percentage of the patients wanted dental treatment, indicating a perceived decline in oral health. Although the reasons for this decline are not clear, several factors like cigarette smoking, bruxism, regular soda consumption, moderate dental hygiene practices, and use of other psychotropic medications that can negatively impact oral health were reported by patients.

The way buprenorphine/naloxone treatment is used may also play a role in the patient’s dental issues. As the treatment is given sublingually and has an acidic pH, keeping the tablet and saliva in the oral cavity to enhance absorption can lead to a low pH environment. This and the medication frequency can alter the tooth surface microbial profile and promote dental caries.

However, the study acknowledges limitations such as a small sample size, potential confounding factors that might contribute to the development of caries, and the lack of a control group which makes it impossible to ascertain if dental issues predated the use of buprenorphine or were related to other lifestyle or biological factors.

How to Treat Buprenorphine-Induced Tooth Decay?

It’s important to remember that experiencing dental health issues is a common effect of drug abuse. Poor hygiene, poor nutrition, tobacco use, and opioid abuse can all contribute to tooth decay.

Also, dental problems tend to be side effects of mouth-dissolving medications. However, you can maintain your buprenorphine treatment while protecting your oral health.

If you want to avoid your teeth rotting because of the use of buprenorphine, the FDA recommends some extra steps in your treatment:

Gently rinse your teeth and gums with water after the sublingual tablet or the film is completely dissolved. Swish the water around your mouth to remove any remaining medication, then swallow.
Brush your teeth after an hour of taking the tablet or film.
Schedule a dental checkup, inform the dentist about your buprenorphine treatment, and have regular follow-up appointments.

However, if you are already experiencing dental problems due to buprenorphine oral administration, you will need dental treatment. Some reported cases required:

Tooth extraction/removal
Root canals
Dental surgery
Crowns or implants

Should I Be Worried If I’m Taking Buprenorphine?

An estimated 1.7 million people take prescripted buprenorphine, whether for OUD or pain treatment and many report no dental pain or other oral health issues. Incorporating some extra steps in your daily dental care routine can help reduce the chances of dental problems caused by buprenorphine.

If you are a patient currently on buprenorphine treatment, remember not to stop taking the prescribed medication abruptly. Doing so could lead to relapse, misuse or abuse of other opioids, overdose, and death.

The best thing you can do is contact your healthcare facilitator and explain your concern. They could lower your daily dose or suggest another administration route. They can also help you contact a dental care professional to prepare a tooth decay prevention plan.

How Cinderella Syndrome Impacts Addiction

Cinderella syndrome (also sometimes referred to as a Cinderella complex or the Cinderella effect) is a psychological condition when a person has “an unconscious desire to be taken care of by someone else.” It was popularized in a book written by author and psychotherapist, Colette Dowling, in reference to the main character of the well-known fairytale — a princess who relies on being rescued by her prince to escape her miserable situation.

Initially, the term only referred to women who had a fear of independence and felt that they needed a (usually male) savior. Since then, Cinderella syndrome (and its many names), has been adopted by mental health professionals. It can now be applied to refer to anyone who believes that they can only find happiness through external sources, such as romantic relationships or material possessions.

Why the Cinderella Syndrome is a toxic way of thinking

A “Cinderella complex” is a deceptively cute name for a highly toxic thought pattern. The reasons why this attitude is problematic are obvious. At its core, there’s a lack of willingness to take responsibility for one’s actions. It also discourages the individual from recognizing that they have agency and can change (and even improve) their situation themselves.

The notion of waiting for the proverbial “white knight” or “prince charming” to come to the rescue is going to result in making poor choices, be they in love, work, amongst family, friends, or strangers — or perhaps failing to make any choices at all.

How Cinderella Syndrome Can Impact Addiction

For the reasons outlined above, this syndrome is particularly detrimental when it comes to addiction recovery. The nature of this condition lends itself all too well to behavior that can either lead to a path of addiction or fuel it further.

Prone to unhealthy coping mechanisms

Someone with Cinderella syndrome either doesn’t believe they can manage their own emotions or simply lack the desire to do so. Instead, they place the responsibility for their physical, emotional, or psychological well-being on others. Naturally, this type of person is also likely to be prone to relying on other external coping mechanisms.

For many, this means drugs or alcohol. They may think something along the lines of “Drinking will make all my problems go away” which ends up being a gateway to addiction.

Lack of motivation to modify behavior

A person with Cinderella syndrome always expects someone else to get them out of their situation. So in a circumstance like addiction, where it ultimately comes down to that individual’s desire and determination to make positive changes (something that someone with Cinderella syndrome severely lacks), they may have an exceptionally difficult time trying to recover.

Instead of taking accountability for their actions or reflecting on the changes they could make to better themselves, they may think something along the lines of “Once I get the perfect romantic partner/job/physique, I won’t need to drink to feel happy.”

As with the other scenario, this fairytale line of thinking puts the burden of responsibility on some external object or person to serve as the catalyst that prompts the change in some way. Perhaps filling some emotional void or something more practical such as financial assistance. In either instance, the individual is the recipient of some sort of action that “rescues” them from the situation, rather than them needing to make any meaningful change.

Leads to unrealistic expectations

Whether you’re placing expectations on someone or something beyond your control, odds are that you’re going to be disappointed. If you’re expecting someone or something to result in your “happily ever after,” then odds are you’re going to be even more disappointed.

To someone with a Cinderella complex, they may only see two possible outcomes: success—or utter failure. This lack of nuance sets a person up for disappointment and discouragement, serving as an emotional trigger that causes them to relapse.

Shared Cinderella Syndrome and drug addiction characteristics

Escapism: Looks for relief from unpleasant situations through distractions that may not be productive or healthy
Codependent: Being in an imbalanced relationship through which one or both partners base their self-worth on the other
Lack of accountability: Tends to blame others and look outward for the cause of their misfortunes
Self-sabotaging behavior: May consciously or unconsciously engage in behavior that sets them up for failure since “it wasn’t going to work anyways”
Poor self-image: Lack of self-esteem or worth may stop them from seeking assistance
Lack of control: Feeling powerless to create change; instead may rely on, or blame others when things don’t go their way

If you have a loved one suffering from addiction, you can’t just wish for a fairytale ending. For free addiction recovery support, find an AA group near you, today.

7 Tips for Dealing with Stress in Sobriety

Nothing can hijack sobriety progress quite like stress. The emotional response can trigger cravings, disrupt emotional stability, impair decision-making abilities, undermine coping strategies, and exacerbate mental health issues. That’s why it’s absolutely essential that a person in recovery has strategies for dealing with stress in sobriety. Here are 7 healthy ways to cope with stress during recovery.

7 Ways to Deal with Stress in Sobriety

Dealing with stress can be especially tricky for someone in recovery. Not only because drug use can disrupt how their minds process emotions, but because their substance of choice was very likely their main coping mechanism. Maintaining sobriety means losing that past source of comfort — which often ends up being its own source of stress.

The difference between a healthy and an unhealthy coping mechanism is the long-term impact on a person’s well-being. Bad coping mechanisms harm physical, emotional, or mental health and often have other negative consequences to either the individual, their immediate surroundings, or the larger community.

By contrast, good coping mechanisms are constructive and sustainable, and have only positive consequences for both the individual and the world around them. Incorporating these suggestions into your daily life will help improve your overall emotional resilience.

Move your body

One of the best things you can do for your physical, mental, and emotional health is to exercise. You don’t need to exert yourself so much that you’re red-faced and out of breath. A 15-minute brisk walk is enough to get the blood pumping and your brain firing off those feel-good neurochemicals.

Meditate/Deep breathing

These practices promote a state of relaxation, reduce physiological arousal, and calm the mind. Meditation also encourages individuals to become more in tune with themselves, allowing for greater emotional awareness and regulation.

Skip the caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that activates the central nervous system. It can exacerbate stress by heightening feelings of anxiety and restlessness as well as amplifying stress’ physiological effects by increasing heart rate and blood pressure. Caffeine is also counterproductive because it makes it harder for the body to come down from its state of high alert.

Smile!

The mind-body connection is powerful, and one easy way to trick your body into feeling happier and calmer is simply to smile. Doing so signals to the brain that you’re feeling good (why else would you be smiling?) which in turn, causes the release of dopamine, serotonin, and endorphins. Smiling can also counteract muscle tension, thereby activating the body’s natural relaxation response.

Spend time outdoors

Spending time in natural environments, such as parks, forests, or near bodies of water, has a soothing and calming effect on the mind and body. Surrounding yourself with greenery has been scientifically proven to have calming effects. The sounds of nature can help too. Multiple studies found that participants who listened to bird calls had reduced feelings of anxiety, depression, and paranoia.

Listen to music

Listening to music you enjoy can uplift your mood and evoke positive emotions and serve as a useful distraction to whatever puts you in a bad mood. Listening to calming music (which may not be your usual genre), might have the greatest benefits. Slow-tempo music with soft melodies and gentle rhythms can help lower cortisol levels, and directly counteract the effects of stress by slower breathing, reduced heart rate, and decreased muscle tension.

Journal

Journaling is a productive form of self-expression that also encourages self-reflection. By writing about your experiences, challenges, and stressors, you can gain a deeper understanding of yourself and your reactions to certain situations. This self-awareness can help identify patterns and triggers that contribute to stress and help you evaluate how you handled them and what did or didn’t work about your approach.

Need help dealing with stress in sobriety?

Stress is unavoidable, whether the cause is work, money, or relationships. When it strikes, higher-level thinking, self-restraint, and decision-making take a backseat and our base primal instincts take control. Bad news for those in recovery.

Rather than trying to avoid stress entirely, it’s far more practical to learn how to deal with stress in a healthy and productive way. These natural stress relief methods are easy to incorporate into your daily routine. For more ideas on how to deal with stress, there’s no better source than your peers.

Consider attending an AA meeting or NA meeting today to connect with other people who are in addiction recovery and know first-hand the struggles you are facing. If you’re dealing with chronic stress or another underlying mental health condition, talk to a medical professional to discuss possible medications for stress that could help you.