cannabis plant, where marijuana and delta-8 THC are derived

Does Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

by with No Comment AddictionMarijuana

Delta-8 could show up on a drug test if the test detects marijuana and other cannabis products. This is because many drug tests can’t distinguish between different cannabis compounds. However, this depends on how sensitive the test is and how recently you used delta-8.

Regardless of legal status, delta-8 could be hazardous to your health and lead to an addiction. If you are getting your life back together after attending long-term addiction treatment, sober living programs can help. Creekside Recovery Residences provides sober living homes for those in recovery from addiction.

What is Delta-8?

Delta-8 is one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis that act on your brain. In fact, there are over 100 cannabinoids in cannabis.

However, delta-8 is not one of the main cannabinoids. Though there are over 100 total, a vast majority of them occur only in trace amounts. Regardless of the product, most cannabinoids are present and trace amounts of delta-8 can be extracted from other cannabis products.

Delta-8 products are made by extracting delta-8 from legal cannabis products, like hemp. Then, the doses are concentrated in order to affect the user.

What Are the Effects of Delta-8?

Delta-8 only affects you when it is extracted and concentrated because it is not one of the main cannabinoids found in cannabis plants. The two main cannabinoids responsible for the effects of cannabis are delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Delta-9 THC is the compound responsible for the psychoactive effects of marijuana and cannabis.

But, delta-8 is also a type of THC. Therefore, the effects of delta-8 THC are similar to that of delta-9 THC. The following are some of the effects of delta-8:

  • Mild euphoria
  • Sedation and relaxing effects
  • Anxiety
  • Loss of coordination
  • Delayed reaction times
  • Increased heart rate
  • Short-term memory loss
  • Potential for addiction

While these effects are similar to delta-9 THC, delta-8 is generally less potent. However, because it is derived from legal cannabis products, delta-8 is often sold alongside legal cannabis products that have no psychoactive effects.

Is Delta-8 Safe?

The safety of delta-8 is not researched as much as the main cannabinoids, delta-9 THC and CBD. However, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning about delta-8 THC. The FDA states the following concerns about delta-8:

  • The FDA has not approved or evaluated delta-8 for safety, and products with delta-8 could pose a risk to people’s health.
  • The FDA received 104 reports of adverse effects from people using delta-8 between December 1, 2020, and February 28, 2022.
  • Delta-8 products have similar intoxicating and psychoactive effects as delta-9 THC.
  • Potentially harmful chemicals are often involved in the process of extracting delta-8 and making delta-8 products.

Therefore, the safety of delta-8 is not well known at this time. But, due to a lack of knowledge on the safety of delta-8 products, it could pose a health risk to your health.

Is Delta-8 Illegal?

Laws vary from state to state regarding cannabis products. However, because delta-8 is extracted from legal cannabis, products with delta-8 generally float under the radar. In other words, delta-8 THC is technically legal in most states because it is made from other legal products.

But because a product is legal doesn’t mean that it is safe. People could unintentionally purchase delta-8 assuming that it won’t get them high like illegal marijuana. And, despite being legal, it could also show up on a drug test due to its similarities to delta-9.

Will Delta-8 Show Up on a Drug Test?

Delta-8 could show up on a drug test that looks for marijuana use. Drug tests that look for marijuana use detect delta-9 THC because this is the primary psychoactive compound responsible for getting a person high. Since delta-8 and delta-9 are similar chemical compounds, delta-8 could also be detected.

So, if you are being tested for marijuana use, delta-8 will very likely show up on a drug test.

Sober Living Programs for Drug Addiction

Marijuana and similar products like delta-8 can lead to drug addiction. If you are addicted to delta-8, you might have tried to quit on your own but weren’t successful. Drug addiction can have a negative impact on your daily life as well as your physical and mental well-being.

At Creekside Recovery Residences, we offer the following programs to treat drug and alcohol addiction:

  • Sober living homes can help you get back on your feet after long-term residential treatment. We offer programs for men, women, and people in the LGBTQIA+ community. That way, you can feel safe and secure throughout your time in sober living.
  • Case management services connect you to the resources you need to continue your recovery from addiction. These services also help you find permanent housing, employment, and medical needs.
  • Recovery coaching can support you throughout your treatment program. Coaches offer advice and help you reach your goals in sobriety.
  • Sober companions accompany you during the early days of your sobriety. Sometimes, they live with you for the first few days of sobriety. Other times, they can attend triggering events with you, like holiday parties and weddings. Essentially, they help you stay accountable to sobriety.
  • Outpatient rehab programs offer you continuing treatment after you leave an inpatient facility. During outpatient rehab, you don’t need to live within the treatment facility. Many people attending outpatient programs choose to reside in a sober living program to fully focus on recovery.

Get Help for Addiction Today

Creekside Recovery Residences can help you overcome addiction to delta-8 or other cannabis products. We also can connect to other valuable resources that will help you remain drug- and alcohol-free.

Contact us today to get help for addiction.

family therapy during outpatient addiction treatment

Help for Families of Addicts

by with No Comment AddictionFamily Resources

Finding help for families of addicts is critical to treating the disease of addiction. While many think of addiction as only that person’s problem, addiction affects the entire family unit. Not only that, but family members are most people’s only outlet for support when they begin recovery. Thus, healing the family helps to improve the outcomes for both the addict and their loved ones.

At Creekside Recovery Residences, we understand that addiction is a family disease. We are here to help those struggling with addiction as well as their families.

How Does Addiction Affect the Family?

Addiction most directly affects family members living with the addict. However, other friends and family members outside of the home can still feel the impact in many ways. The way that addiction affects the family depends greatly on the person’s relationship to the addict.

The effects of addiction on different family members can vary based on the following relationships:

Children of Addicts

Children are among the most vulnerable family members affected by addiction. In 2020, parental drug and alcohol use was a condition of removal in 39.0% of cases where a child was removed from their home to out-of-home care in the US, according to the National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare.

Children depend upon their parents to meet their physical, mental, and emotional health needs. When one or both parents abuse drugs and alcohol, they often neglect their children’s needs—sometimes unknowingly or unintentionally.

Children of addicts adopt maladaptive family roles to cope with the trauma of addiction in the home. Some children become overachievers while others get into trouble themselves. Still, others make themselves invisible and hold their feelings inside—leading to low self-esteem, depression, and difficulty building healthy relationships.

Siblings

Sometimes, addiction occurs among children in the home—typically teens or young adults. Younger children are often affected by the behaviors of their older siblings. They might be excessively worried about them, even if they don’t show it.

In addition, in homes where one or both parents are addicted, older siblings often take on the parental roles for younger siblings. They might be burdened with the household responsibilities of cleaning, cooking, and tending to the needs of younger children. With these additional responsibilities, they don’t get a chance to have a normal childhood and adolescence.

Parents of Adult Children

Adult children is a term that refers to addicted adults in their relationship with their parents. Even into adulthood, the parents of adult children could be bailing their child out of legal issues, helping with finances, or taking on a parental role with grandchildren.

Spouse/Partner

The spouse or partner of an addict can struggle with the isolation and frustration of being in a relationship with an addict. They might develop a mental health disorder, like depression or anxiety, as a result of the stress. They could be the one who helps to cover up for the other person’s addiction, like calling in for them when the addict is dealing with the aftereffects of substance abuse.

Parenting partners of addicts could also cover up for their addicted partner’s lack of attention to their children. In extreme cases, a spouse or partner might need to legally remove the addict from their home due to safety concerns, especially with children in the home.

Friends and Other Loved Ones

A person’s family could consist of other people outside of blood relatives. Friends and other loved ones could also be affected by an addict. For instance, they might be called to pick them up after a DUI arrest or give them a place to stay if they get kicked out of their homes. Addiction can strain even the closest and longest of friendships.

5 Tips to Help Families of Addicts

Family members and other loved ones of addicts often feel helpless in their situation. They might have tried to intervene in their loved one’s behavior to no avail. Or, they could feel so overwhelmed that they don’t even know where to start.

The following are tips to help families of addicts:

#1. Engage in Self-Care

Self-care is one of the first things that family members of addicts can do to help themselves. Oftentimes, families of addicts put the needs of the addict first. They frequently feel like they have no time to themselves, which leads to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression.

By taking even a few minutes per day to engage in self-care, families can start to change their outlook on the situation at home. Examples of self-care include:

  • Exercise
  • Meditation
  • Listening to music
  • Reading
  • Watching a movie
  • Going for a walk

#2. Attend Therapy

Therapy can also help families of addicts. Many treatment centers offer family therapy when addicts are in a treatment program. Family therapy helps to rebuild the family dynamics and address issues that occur due to addiction.

However, each family member can also attend individual therapy. This can help family members manage stress and anxiety resulting from loving an addict. In addition, since family members’ own issues are often sidelined, therapy can help them become the best version of themselves—even if their addicted loved one refuses to seek help.

#3. Join a Support Group

Support groups have helped families of addicts connect with others in similar situations. Many family members of addicts feel isolated in their situation. This can lead to loneliness as well as shame about their loved one’s addiction.

Support groups remind family members that they aren’t alone. They have peers who are also affected by a loved one’s addiction. Some of the most common support groups for families of addicts include:

#4. Learn More About Addiction

Learning more about addiction can also help families of addicts. Sometimes, additional information can shed light on a loved one’s substance abuse. This can also help family members find solutions as well as look for signs of relapse if a loved one has been in treatment.

The following resources can help family members of addicts find information about addiction and treatment:

#5. Reach Out to Treatment Programs

Reaching out directly to treatment programs can also help families of addicts. They can help families understand the nature of addiction and how to treat an addiction. By understanding the steps involved in recovery, family members have a better understanding of what their loved one will need to recover.

In addition, reaching out to treatment centers can help families find options if and when their loved one decides to get treatment for drug or alcohol addiction.

Reach Out to Sober Living Programs Today

Creekside Recovery Residences understands that addiction doesn’t just affect the addict—the entire family struggles. We’re here to help addicts recover as well as provide help for families of addicts when they seek treatment. Our sober living programs provide a safe and secure environment for those engaged in outpatient drug and alcohol rehab.

Contact us today to learn more about the treatment process at our sober living programs.

woman showing signs and symptoms of a drug-induced psychosis

Signs and Symptoms of a Drug-Induced Psychosis

by with No Comment AddictionDrug OverdoseMental health

The signs and symptoms of a drug-induced psychosis can be scary to experience or witness. If you notice these signs in a loved one, it is imperative to get them medical treatment immediately. A drug-induced psychosis could be a warning sign of an overdose or a symptom of an underlying mental health disorder.

Sober living homes and outpatient rehab can help you after you get treatment following a drug-induced psychotic episode. Creekside Recovery Residences is here to help you get back on track.

What Is a Drug-Induced Psychosis?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) defines psychosis as “a collection of symptoms that affect the mind, where there has been some loss of contact with reality.” Furthermore, NIMH states that psychosis causes disruptions to thoughts and perceptions. In addition, a person will struggle to recognize what is and isn’t real.

A drug-induced psychosis means that drug or alcohol abuse is the cause of a psychotic episode. Drug-induced psychoses are typically episodic, meaning that they are only temporary. However, in some cases, the person could have long-term psychosis, which may indicate an underlying mental health disorder. During psychosis, a person will have hallucinations, delusions, or both.

What Are Hallucinations and Delusions?

Hallucinations and delusions are the primary symptoms of a psychotic episode:

  • Hallucinations are bodily sensations or perceptions that aren’t real. These can include all senses—sight, touch, taste, hearing, or smell. For example, a person might see people who aren’t there or hear voices that sound like they come from another person.
  • Delusions are unshakable beliefs that are not true. These beliefs can include feeling persecuted and believing oneself to have powers.

It is important to remember that these perceptions and beliefs feel real for the person experiencing psychosis. They won’t be able to just “snap out of it” and will struggle to understand that others don’t share the same experience of reality.

How to Recognize a Drug-Induced Psychosis

A drug-induced psychosis causes tell-tale behaviors like outbursts and incoherent speech. Moreover, symptoms of a drug-induced psychosis will gradually worsen—especially if the person continues using or drinking despite these symptoms.

Signs and symptoms of a drug-induced psychosis include:

  • Suspicious or paranoid thoughts
  • Difficulty thinking logically
  • Overly intense thoughts and beliefs
  • Bizarre feelings or even a lack of feelings
  • Agitation and hostility
  • Confusing, rambling speech
  • Seeing, feeling, hearing, smelling, or tasting things that aren’t there
  • Appearing manic and restless
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety and excessive nervousness
  • Insomnia

Overall, the person will not appear like themselves. For instance, a person who is normally calm might become increasingly agitated. They might become intensely jealous, hostile, or fear that others are out to get them.

If you notice these signs in a loved one, get them medical help immediately. They are at a high risk of harming themselves or others. They could also unintentionally upset others, who might harm them as a result.

What Causes a Drug-Induced Psychosis?

Drug-induced psychoses occur as a result of excessive drug or alcohol use. They could also be caused by underlying mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or bipolar disorder. Severe depression could also cause psychotic symptoms that increase under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Some drugs are more likely to cause drug-induced psychoses, including:

  • LSD
  • Methamphetamine
  • Cocaine
  • Cannabis
  • Ecstasy
  • MDMA
  • PCP

Alcohol and prescription medications like benzodiazepines could also cause drug-induced psychoses. Sometimes, psychoses occur during drug detox as the person goes through withdrawal. This could be the case during severe alcohol withdrawal if the person has symptoms called delirium tremens.

Overall, the cause is either the hallucinogenic effects of the drug itself, underlying symptoms of a mental health disorder, or taking a dangerous amount of a particular substance.

How Is a Drug-Induced Psychosis Treated?

First, a person needs stabilization services to treat a drug-induced psychosis. Most often, they will be taken to an emergency room for safety and possibly to treat a drug overdose.

From there, they could remain inpatient at a hospital’s psychiatric unit for further observation of symptoms. It is critical at this time to determine if the person has an underlying mental health condition at the root of their psychosis. Regardless of the cause, the person will need substance use treatment to prevent drug-induced psychosis and other issues from recurring.

Long-term treatment for drug-induced psychosis could include the following:

  • Medication Management: Safely managing medications is crucial to recovery from psychotic episodes if the person has an underly mental health condition. Anti-psychotics and mood stabilizers are some of the psychiatric medications prescribed to those with psychotic disorders.
  • Case Management: A case manager can help to coordinate care across all levels of treatment. They help clients get medical care, employment resources, housing, mental health therapy, drug treatment, and other services.
  • Outpatient Rehab: Following detox and inpatient treatment services, outpatient drug and alcohol rehab gives clients the continuing care they need for long-term addiction recovery. Clients could live at home, with family, or at a sober living home during outpatient rehab.

The signs and symptoms of drug-induced psychosis could be scary for the person experiencing it as well as their loved ones. However, the underlying causes—addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders—are treatable conditions. With professional help, clients can overcome their addictions and thrive in recovery.

Get Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Today

A drug-induced psychosis causes several signs and symptoms that are a cause for immediate concern. Getting a person into emergency care is the number one priority during drug-induced psychosis. After that, they need long-term care to recover from addiction and manage underlying mental health symptoms.

Creekside Recovery Residences offers long-term support for those with drug and alcohol addiction. Contact us to start your long-term recovery today.

person worries about a loved one's cocaine overdose

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

by AddictionCocaineDrug Overdose

The drug overdose epidemic, including cocaine, continues to worsen in the United States. For the loved ones of anyone struggling with cocaine addiction, it can be difficult to watch addiction take hold as their physical and mental health begins to suffer.

The need for cocaine often begins to negatively impact important commitments such as work, school, or family. Cocaine addiction is life-threatening, and long-term use can result in significant health problems and permanent physical damage to the body. For many friends and family members trying to support a loved one, death by a cocaine overdose is the worst fear.

What is Cocaine?

Cocaine—a powerful substance that leads to feelings of euphoria—is an illegal, highly addictive, and powerful stimulant drug that can be snorted, smoked, or dissolved and injected into a vein. It is a powder substance processed from the leaves of the South American coca plant, which has been used for centuries to increase energy.

It’s one of the most popular party drugs for a reason: the drug makes users feel alert, social, energetic, and hypersensitive to stimuli. But because its effects are so short-lived, the risk of overdose on cocaine is very high as users repeatedly seek its high. 

Can You Overdose on Cocaine?

Yes. In fact, according to the CDC, cocaine was involved in nearly 23% of overdose deaths in 2021. Additionally, over 5 million Americans reported current cocaine use in 2020 (almost 2% of the population). Although cocaine-involved overdose death rates in the United States decreased from 2004 to 2012, they began increasing again in 2012. And, from 2020 to 2021, cocaine overdose death rates increased by a whopping 22%—with more than 24,000 Americans dying in 2021 from an overdose involving cocaine.

Cocaine is a risky and unpredictable substance for many reasons. Its effects can vary between users, meaning overdoses don’t always correlate with the amount of cocaine a person ingests. For example, someone might snort a few hundred milligrams of the substance and overdose, while another can ingest several grams without overdosing. 

Like all street drugs, cocaine potency can vary widely—a huge factor in its dangerous, volatile, and unpredictable nature. It’s impossible to know exactly how much cocaine is in a batch, and the drug can easily be laced or cut with other drugs, like fentanyl or heroin, leading to an even higher risk of an overdose. 

What is a Cocaine Overdose?

Similar to any drug overdose, a cocaine overdose occurs when an individual ingests too much, too fast. Essentially, too much cocaine, or cocaine mixed with another substance, poisons the user from the inside out. Their body can’t handle the influx of the drug, and extreme reactions occur when cocaine reaches toxic levels within the body. 

Signs and Symptoms of Cocaine Overdose

As a stimulant drug, cocaine increases the central nervous system functions and ramps the body into high gear. Shortly after taking cocaine, someone will experience an increase in heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature. There is an increased risk of heart attacks as well as serious neurological risks, including intense headaches, comas, and seizures. Cocaine can also affect the gastrointestinal tract and cause severe nausea, vomiting, and dehydration.

In the case of a drug overdose, side effects can turn deadly—fast. The psychological and physical signs of a cocaine overdose can vary from one person to the next, but these symptoms are common:

  • Chest pain
  • Vomiting and nausea
  • Increased blood pressure and heart rate
  • Tremors
  • Changes in respiration
  • Paranoia and hallucinations
  • Delirium
  • Seizures

Cocaine addicts often mix the drug with other mood or mind-altering substances to experience a more long-lasting and intense high. That raises the stakes even more—the body’s cardiovascular systems and organs are put at increased risk, especially if cocaine and alcohol are mixed. Because these substances affect the body in opposite ways (as a stimulant and a depressant), each heightens the impact of the other.

What Do I Do After a Cocaine Overdose?

If you suspect someone is experiencing a cocaine overdose, stay calm. Call 911 immediately and do not leave the individual unattended. Seizures are common, so do not hold the person or restrain them. Instead, position them safely on the floor and remove any dangerous objects nearby that could injure their head or limbs. Apply a cold compress to the forehead, side, and back of the neck and wrists to help reduce body temperature.

If caught early, an overdose can be reversible without permanent effects from the incident. 

After an ambulance arrives, medical personnel will take the individual to the ER, where IV fluids and medications will be administered to help reverse the effects of the overdose. Depending on the severity of the situation, an individual may remain in the hospital for several days before a discharge. Attending a rehabilitation program in this situation is crucial.

Cocaine Detox and Withdrawal Symptoms

Because cocaine is an addictive drug, with repeated use, it’s very common to develop a physiological dependence on it to feel like they can “function normally.” As a result, someone may experience withdrawal syndrome when attempting to stop using the drug.

Cocaine withdrawal symptoms can vary in severity depending on several factors but may include the following:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Poor concentration
  • Slowed movements and thoughts
  • Fatigue
  • Changes in sleep patterns
  • Appetite changes
  • Cocaine cravings
  • Paranoia

These uncomfortable symptoms typically last several days after stopping use, but in some cases, may continue for several weeks.

In general, stimulant withdrawal syndromes are relatively less severe than those associated with substances such as alcohol and opioids, but it’s still crucial to seek professional help to detox.

While stimulant withdrawal does not usually involve severe physical symptoms or present immediate medical dangers, some individuals may be at risk for developing debilitating dysphoria (i.e., depression and overwhelmingly negative thoughts and feelings), which can lead to dangerous suicidal thoughts. Because withdrawal experiences can vary, in some cases an individual will require closer medical attention and monitoring.

Finding Treatment for Cocaine Addiction

Did you know that cocaine can permanently affect both the body and the brain? Long-term cocaine abuse can cause noticeable changes in brain chemistry and structure and even permanent brain damage in someone who uses large amounts of the drug. Cerebral bleeding can occur in heavy users, and addiction can lead to permanent memory loss and decision-making and motor function issues.

The sooner an individual with a cocaine addiction can seek professional help, the better chance they can prevent a potentially fatal overdose and minimize long-term harm to their physical and mental health. Every day and second counts, so don’t delay seeking addiction treatment.

Recover From a Cocaine Overdose Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with cocaine addiction and seeking treatment options, Creekside Recovery Residences can assist in providing resources and options, including detox facility recommendations and/or interventionists with years of experience assisting families and individuals.

We know what you’re going through and you’re not alone. We are here to help you. Contact us today to get started on your recovery from cocaine addiction.

marchman act vs baker act

Marchman Act vs. Baker Act

by Addiction

As a friend or family member, when a loved one is struggling with addiction or alcoholism, you want to do everything you can to help him get better and turn his life around. But despite multiple conversations, interventions, ultimatums, and attempts to commit to positive change, an individual will often continue to refuse to seek treatment – even though everyone else can see the situation is dire and desperate.

That’s why, in some states, laws such as The Marchman Act and the Baker Act exist to involuntarily commit an individual to seek help. The Marchman Act and the Baker Act may be legal avenues for you to force your loved one into substance abuse or mental health treatment and get on the road to recovery. Let’s take a closer look at these statutes and how they work.

Marchman Act vs Baker Act

The Marchman Act and Baker Act have similar outcomes – placing an individual in court-mandated treatment – but different requirements and situational applications.

Florida’s Marchman Act, first enacted in 1993, allows for the examination and involuntary or emergency commitment of an individual for substance abuse. This step can be taken when an individual no longer has control over their addiction, becoming a danger to themselves and others. It can help lead to involuntary assessment, stabilization, and treatment for those who are deemed unable to make the decision for themselves. There is a burden of proof that falls on the person filing this act, and he/she must demonstrate that the individual

1) Has lost the power of self-control in regards to their substance abuse
2) Has refused to seek voluntary care. 

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971, also known as the Florida Baker Act, is similar to the Marchman Act, but focused on mental health concerns. This can be initiated by law enforcement, court judges, physicians, or mental health professionals, and there must be substantial evidence that the person in question has a mental disorder, intent to harm oneself or others, or be self-neglectful. During a crisis situation (i.e. threats of suicide or self-harm), a third party can submit an affidavit to get an individual “Baker-Acted” through the circuit court.

The Marchman Act and Baker Act can both be life-saving avenues for families who feel they are at the end of their rope and out of viable options. Oftentimes, individuals can feel so helpless in the throes of drug or alcohol addiction that they become suicidal. Every situation is case-by-case, but these acts can be effective at saving lives and helping someone in dire need of treatment to kickstart the recovery process.

Which States Have the Marchman and the Baker Act?

While the Marchman and Baker Act are specific to Florida, the majority of states – including the following – have laws for involuntary commitment on some level.

  • Alaska
  • Arkansas
  • California
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Delaware
  • District of Columbia
  • Florida
  • Georgia
  • Hawaii
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maine
  • Massachusetts
  • Michigan
  • Minnesota
  • Mississippi
  • Missouri
  • Nebraska
  • North Carolina
  • North Dakota
  • Ohio
  • Oklahoma
  • Pennsylvania
  • South Carolina
  • South Dakota
  • Tennessee
  • Texas
  • Virginia
  • Washington
  • West Virginia
  • Wisconsin

How Do I File a Marchman Act?

The Marchman Act is specific to Florida. The statute states: “Substance abuse is a major health problem with profoundly disturbing consequences such as serious impairment, chronic addiction, criminal behavior, vehicular casualties, spiraling health care costs, AIDS, and business losses. A disease which affects the whole family and the whole society requires specialized prevention, intervention, and treatment services that support and strengthen the family unit.”

In most counties, the required paperwork can be filed at the courthouse for that county. That paperwork, in addition to any sworn testimony, usually involves the county clerk’s office. There is usually a specific department for mental health, probate, or similar services.

The following parties can petition the court for a Marchman Act:

  • Spouse
  • Blood relative (mother, father, sibling, etc.)
  • Any three people who have direct knowledge of the individual’s substance abuse (The law permits this because, in certain cases, family members may not be involved in the individual in question’s life).

The process for filing is as follows:

  1. A sworn affidavit is signed at the local county courthouse or clerk’s office.
  2. A hearing is set before the court after a Petition for Involuntary Assessment and Stabilization is filed.
  3. Following the hearing, the individual is held for up to five days for medical stabilization and assessment.
  4. A Petition for Treatment must be filed with the court and a second hearing is held for the court to review the assessment.
  5. Based on the assessment and the recommendation that the individual needs extended help, the judge can then order a 60-day treatment period with a possible 90-day extension, if necessary.
  6. If the addict exits treatment in violation of the judge’s order, the addict must return to court and answer to the court as to why they did not comply with treatment. Then the individual is returned immediately for involuntary care.
  7. If the addict refuses, they are held in civil contempt of court for not following treatment order and are ordered to either return to treatment or be incarcerated.

More often than not, this process doesn’t play out fully. Sometimes, families seeking help for a loved one find that the simple threat or initial filing of the Marchman Act will push a reluctant addict to agree to seek treatment in order to avoid costly legal proceedings and/or personal inconveniences.

How Do I File a Baker Act?

The Florida Mental Health Act of 1971 (The Baker Act) reads, “Mental illness means an impairment of the mental or emotional processes that exercise conscious control of one’s actions or of the ability to perceive or understand reality, which impairment substantially interferes with a person’s ability to meet the ordinary demands of living, regardless of etiology. For the purposes of this part, the term does not include a developmental disability as defined in Chapter 393, intoxication, or conditions manifested only by antisocial behavior or substance abuse impairment.”

The process to file a Baker Act is as follows:

  1. The individual is committed by means of a law enforcement officer, a physician, or a sworn affidavit from another individual.
  2. A law enforcement officer takes the person into custody and transports them to a receiving mental health facility.
  3. The individual is examined and placed on a psychiatric hold for no more than 72 hours.
  4. The patient is given a mental health evaluation and further treatment is recommended based on the results.

What Happens to Someone Who is Baker Acted?

The affected individual goes to a receiving center, which is a mental health facility or a hospital qualified and equipped to treat Baker Act patients.

Will a Marchman Act or Baker Act Affect My Loved One in the Future?

Friends and family who are forward thinking and considering these actions may be wondering, “Will this involuntary commitment affect my loved one in the future, once he’s in recovery and finally doing better?”

You might be concerned about an individual’s future prospects for employment, renting or buying a home, or something else entirely. But good news: this filing will never be included on an individual’s legal record. The intent of the Marchman and Baker Act is treatment, not punishment. Additionally, because mental health and addiction are medical conditions, the process is strictly confidential and proceedings take place in a closed courtroom, with all treatment and assessment records protected by the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA).

Get Help Today!

While it may seem extreme, involuntary commitment to psychiatric care has saved countless lives affected by addiction, drugs and alcohol, and continues to serve as a crucial nudge into recovery for those who need it.

If you or a loved one is struggling and seeking treatment options, Creekside Recovery Residences – with sober living housing options in both Atlanta, Marietta, St. Petersburg and Tampa – can assist in providing resources and options, including detox facility recommendations and/or interventionists with years of experience assisting families and individuals. We know what you’re going through and you’re not alone – we are here to help. 

Call us now at 470-460-6688 or fill out the contact form below.

post acute withdrawal symptoms

Signs and Symptoms of Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome

by with No Comment Addiction

The initial stage of quitting drug and alcohol abuse usually comes with withdrawal symptoms. Most resolve themselves within several days or a few weeks. However, many people experience post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms and need proper clinical support to help cope with them. Creekside Recovery Residences offer a safe haven for people to live while working on their recovery. In addition, we provide access to medical and psychological treatment for those who need it. This provides people with an increased ability to stay on the sober path of living despite any withdrawal symptoms that occur.

What Is Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome?

When a person goes through the detox process, it takes several days and involves experiencing acute withdrawal symptoms. Many of those symptoms end by the time the individual has finished detoxing or within a few weeks afterward. For many people, some of the symptoms continue for an extended period. When this happens, it’s called post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms or PAWS. 

PAWS may produce withdrawal symptoms that are milder in nature than acute ones. However, they can continue for a long time, making it difficult for a person to maintain sobriety. This proves particularly true if they do not realize what they are experiencing. While some PAWS can be physical in nature, a person may be more likely to experience psychological or emotional symptoms. This makes it vital that the individual be prepared for this possibility and have access to proper care for PAWS. 

Common Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

Post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms vary in relation to the individual person and their addiction. When someone stops abusing drugs or alcohol, it forces changes in their brain chemistry. How long it takes for the brain to readjust and begin to naturally produce feel-good neurotransmitters isn’t easily predictable. Because of this, a person cannot be sure if PAWS will occur or what symptoms it might produce. 

Common symptoms include the following:

  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Anxiety
  • Difficulty focusing and thinking
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Lethargy
  • Insomnia
  • Decreased appetite
  • Low sex drive
  • Unexplained body aches and pains
  • Cravings for drugs or alcohol

Treatment for Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome Symptoms

When someone develops post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms, one main concern is whether it can tip the person over into relapsing. For some people, especially if they are not forewarned, PAWS can cause them to want to return to substance abuse to relieve the symptoms. For this reason, it’s important for people to have available help to get through PAWS, should it occur as part of their recovery process. This treatment can come as part of a residential or outpatient program or during an aftercare plan. 

Someone dealing with PAWS can work to combat it through several avenues. The first is getting educated about it so they understand what is happening and that the process is temporary. Treatment programs often monitor for the condition, but it’s also important for each person to speak up if withdrawal symptoms linger for protracted periods of time. 

Someone with PAWS should make sure they attend their treatment sessions regularly. This includes outpatient treatment, individual therapy sessions, and medical care appointments. Additionally, medications can help people dealing with post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms. Many types of FDA-approved drugs can help with both medical and psychological symptoms that come with PAWS.

Just taking care of one’s health can pay off by helping to regulate PAWS. This includes getting regular sleep, eating healthy, and engaging in activities that occupy the mind and keep the person from isolating. Attending support groups or group therapy provides a person with an outlet to discuss their challenges and receive support. 

How Is Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol Treated?

Treatment for addiction to drugs and alcohol begins with going to a detox program. From there, people can transition into residential or outpatient care programs. In both of these cases, the individual should be monitored for post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms. These can be addressed through a variety of types of therapy modalities. This includes talk therapy, holistic therapy, and medication management. 

Someone living in a sober living home can also take advantage of treatment for post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms. Sober living homes provide a safe alternative for those who aren’t yet ready to return to their homes. They benefit from being around others who are living a sober life and need the stability that sober living homes provide them. While living in the homes, they have access to multiple types of outpatient care. This includes programs, physicians, and therapists who understand the intricacies of PAWS and how to treat it. 

Find Help for Substance Use Disorders Today

When someone makes the brave decision to stop abusing drugs or alcohol, they may worry about going through withdrawal symptoms. If post-acute withdrawal syndrome symptoms happen, it’s important the person has professional support for dealing with them. Creekside Recovery Residences provides access to treatment that helps people deal with a variety of withdrawal symptoms. Our goal is to help make getting sober a reality for everyone.

If you would like more information, please visit our admissions page today. We can answer your questions and help you get started on a program that will change your life.

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Substance Abuse in College Students

by with No Comment Addiction

The idea of going to college conjures up ideas of study sessions, making new friends, and building a bright future through education. Unfortunately, for many young people, it can also mean dabbling in drugs and alcohol. When this turns into addiction, lives can be sidetracked and educational goals put aside. Substance abuse in college students causes problems for many families, but treatment can help get the person back on track and healthy again.

What Is Substance Abuse?

Substance abuse is classified as a medical illness involving repeatedly consuming substances including drugs and alcohol. The drugs can include prescription or illegal drugs. Substance abuse affects a person’s brain and causes them to become reliant on drugs or alcohol. Addiction creates disruptions in the person’s private, work, school, and social lives. Substance abuse in college students commonly occurs, requiring the person to receive professional treatment in order to overcome it.  

Why Does Substance Abuse in College Students Happen?

The use of drugs such as marijuana, stimulants, and illegal drugs has increased on college campuses over the past decade. In fact, a study that monitored college students from their freshman to junior years found that nearly half of them met the criteria for having at least one substance use disorder.  

Any number of reasons can contribute to a young person developing a substance use disorder in college. For those who leave home to attend school, the freedom of living independently can invite experimentation. They lack the life experience and maturity to understand the downside of using alcohol and drugs, particularly in excessive amounts. 

For many college students, pressure to do well in school factors into the problem. Pressure can come from parents, fellow students, teachers, teammates, and themselves. Abusing substances can alleviate stressful or depressed feelings. Many students use stimulants to provide a boost of energy and a need for less sleep, which they feel helps them succeed in their school work. 

Peer pressure can also contribute to substance abuse in college students. Alcohol, in particular, flows freely on college campuses. Parties and dorms can provide easy access to substances and tremendous pressure to use them. Drug and alcohol usage also happens commonly in fraternities and sororities.

The Risks of Abusing Substances in College

Many young people who abuse substances may argue that they can handle it. However, being under the influence can cause them to miss signs that their lives are spinning out of control. In addition, they may be in denial about needing help. A major risk that comes with substance abuse in college students relates to school performance. Students who engage in regular substance use prove more likely to get lower grades. 

They also tend to miss class more often and spend less time studying. In addition, students struggling with addiction are less likely to graduate or find jobs after leaving school. They also are expelled from school more often than those who do not engage in regular substance use. 

Another risk relates to the person’s health. This can include short-term damage, such as frequent hangovers. As well, it can contribute to a general decline in physical health and long-term damage. Addiction can damage a person’s immune system and organs and puts them at risk of overdosing. Good mental health can also decline when a person becomes addicted. In fact, about half of those who have a substance use disorder also have at least one mental health disorder. 

Common Substances College Students Abuse

Substance abuse in college students can involve alcohol and any number of drugs. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, and illegal narcotics. Commonly abused substances include:

  • Alcohol
  • Cocaine 
  • Methamphetamines
  • Marijuana
  • Pain killers
  • Prescription opioids
  • Inhalants
  • Hallucinogens, including MDMA (ecstasy) and LSD
  • Stimulants

How To Treat Substance Abuse in College Students

A student who reaches the point where they need treatment for substance abuse has options. The first step involves going to detox. This process takes five to ten days on average. From there, the individual may choose a residential or an outpatient program. 

For many students, returning to their homes, including a campus location, may need to be delayed temporarily. For them, a sober living home can make the most sense. Sober living homes are often located in modern, attractive houses in great neighborhoods. Many of these homes are gender-specific and pet-friendly. 

College students can seek treatment during the day while living at the home. This provides them with the vital addiction care they need while giving them a safe place to live. Sober living homes remove easy access to substances and potentially triggering situations. Each person living there is in recovery, making peer support part of the treatment. When they are in stable recovery, they can transition back to school, ready to accomplish their goals with a sober mind.

Get Help for Addiction in College Students 

Do you have a son or daughter who needs help getting off drugs or alcohol? Creekside Recovery Residences has a program that helps treat substance abuse in college students. We provide safe sober living homes for your child to live in while they work on getting well. Each resident can access outpatient addiction treatment for substance use disorders while living in a safe environment free from temptation.
For more information, visit our admissions page. We can answer any questions you have about how to help college students get sober and graduate.