MDMA (usually called “Molly” or sometimes “Ecstacy”) is a drug that became popular in rave culture in the 1990s. Initially, all Molly pills were considered pure MDMA, which stands for 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA). Today, most MDMA is sold as Molly and may not even contain the original drug but instead may have traces of other drugs, such as methamphetamine or even fentanyl.
MDMA itself is a potent drug similar to hallucinogen and stimulant drugs. This was what made it famous in dance clubs and all-night raves.
Molly is usually taken as a pill. Sometimes the tablet will have decorations such as a smiley face or star that the drug dealers use as branding.
People who take pure MDMA may describe a heightened sense of touch, exaggerated emotions, and distorted perception of time and space. Many people describe a feeling of elation as “warm and fuzzy.” People may react differently to different formulations because Molly isn’t just one drug nowadays.
Molly is a drug that can last up to 3-8 hours, and there is a peak where there is a maximum effect, usually about 3 hours after taking MDMA.
It’s essential to remember that much of today’s Molly doesn’t contain MDMA. If it includes MDMA, it may have other contaminants that can turn deadly, like fentanyl, PCP, and cocaine. While there is scant evidence of people overdosing on pure MDMA with unknown drug combinations, there is always a chance that taking Molly can be deadly.
Some people may have bad reactions to MDMA. A person may have high blood pressure or heart rate. People who take MDMA and other drugs together also have a higher chance of psychosis.
Many people who have bad experiences with Molly experience them when the high has worn off, but their body is still experiencing the effects. Up to a week later, a person may feel confused or depressed, have trouble sleeping, or feel anxiety due to using Molly.
People who take antidepressants called SSRIs alongside Molly are in danger of developing a life-threatening condition, serotonin syndrome. Regular and heavy users can also develop this syndrome.
MDMA itself isn’t innocuous. The drug itself creates a rapid supply of serotonin, a chemical in our body that helps control our emotions, especially empathy, a feeling of love, sexual stimulation, sleep, and even pain. The rush of serotonin creates a euphoric feeling. Most people who use the drug describe having an elevated mood for days. However, it will take more time for the body to replenish ecstasy.
Regular use of ecstasy may change the way a person’s brain works. Regular users have often reported feelings of depression about a week after using it, and some users continue to have mental health issues even after they stop using it. Research shows that users may have long-term anxiety and depression due to the lack of serotonin.
Many people who have a substance use disorder may not be sure how to get help. Support is available whether you use Molly, alcohol, or other substances! No matter what drug you use, you can recover! We’re here to help you begin your journey and decide your first steps in recovery. Give us a call at 619-363-4767 to learn more.
The terms tolerance and dependence are often used when describing alcohol or drug addiction, but distinguishing the two similar terms can sometimes be challenging. However, each term means something different regarding how alcohol or drugs attack the body and brain. Though the medical terms are relatively direct, their association is not nearly as clear.
Many individuals question how someone can become addicted to drugs or alcohol. Some people misguidedly believe that anyone who abuses drugs or alcohol lacks a moral compass. In truth, it is the complete opposite. It is essential to spread awareness about why someone cannot simply quit their substance abuse.
Addiction is real. For those who become dependent on drugs or alcohol, quitting entails more than wanting to stop. Substances alter the brain's function, and the body exhibits withdrawal symptoms when the individual attempts to stop using the substance. Therefore, to collectively understand addiction, one must recognize tolerance, dependence, and addiction and what effects each has on the human body and brain.
Furthermore, explaining tolerance and dependence and how they relate to addiction can help individuals struggling with alcohol or drug use recognize addiction's various physical and mental factors and how it progresses.
According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, tolerance is a loss of effectiveness of a substance with continual drug exposure. In other words, tolerance occurs when an individual no longer responds to drugs or alcohol the way they did when they first began using it.
The body adapts to the alcohol or drug, requiring increased amounts to feel the same effect. Consequently, individuals with substance use disorders start using more and more of the substance in a quest to try to feel the way they did the first time they used it.
Dependence occurs when a person stops using alcohol or drugs and their body experiences withdrawal symptoms. The body shows physical and mental signs of suffering when it does not receive the substance because it has become dependent on alcohol or drugs to function.
Withdrawal symptoms can range from mild to severe. Symptoms depend on the type of substance used, how long it was used, the individual's age and psychological characteristics, and the type of detoxification treatment used.
Symptoms can include:
Along with the physical dependence of withdrawal symptoms, people can develop psychological dependence. Psychological dependence occurs when individuals believe they require alcohol or drugs to function. Sometimes the person can exhibit both types of dependency.
Addiction is a disease. While tolerance and dependence are not diseases, they can contribute to the condition and cause addiction to form if alcohol or drugs are being used continually. When individuals constantly use drugs or alcohol, even though they keep experiencing destructive consequences, they have an addiction to that substance.
Substance use disrupts how neurons send, receive, and process signals through neurotransmitters. For someone who has an alcohol or drug addiction, the brain adjusts and increases dopamine levels when the substance is used, resulting in fewer neurotransmitters in the reward circuit for dopamine.
Brain circuits, known as dopamine pathways, are essential for natural rewards such as food, music, or exercise. Usually, the dopamine levels will increase in response to the natural rewards. However, when alcohol or drugs are used, dopamine levels increase substantially.
As a result, the brain no longer adjusts for natural rewards and only responds with alcohol or drug use. Fewer neurotransmitters are produced in the reward circuit, or the number of receptors that receive signals is reduced, creating an inability to experience natural pleasures.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse offers a simple explanation of the connection between tolerance, dependence, and addiction. The primary impression is that neither tolerance nor dependence alone creates addiction, and addiction can progress without the individual experiencing tolerance or dependency. Nevertheless, stopping alcohol or drug use without intervention becomes problematic when tolerance, dependence, and addiction assemble.
The transition from tolerance to dependence to addiction is not easily managed, so it is critical to acknowledge the differences to understand how to seek help. There is no definitive line to cross, and each phase can blend, making it difficult to know what phase an individual is going through. The emphasis is not on which stage a person is experiencing but on learning the signs of addiction as the condition progresses.
It is essential to increase awareness about why someone cannot simply quit their substance abuse, even when they desperately want to. Knowing when and how to get help can be overwhelming and confusing. Explaining tolerance and dependence and how it relates to addiction can assist individuals who struggle with alcohol or drug use to recognize addiction’s many physical and mental influences and how it develops. If you or a loved one struggles with alcohol or drug addiction, we are here to help. Present Moments Recovery center in San Diego, California, provides an individualized and comprehensive approach to addiction, with many levels of care to help you recover. Our family-run treatment center offers detox programs, inpatient and outpatient counseling, and sober living homes. At Present Moments Recovery, you can heal in a home instead of a facility. We believe recovery can only happen in the present moment. Call us today and learn more about our services at (619) 363-4767.
During the pandemic, substance use has increased substantially. Medical marijuana has also become more acceptable socially. A study in the American Journal of Psychiatry recently found that about 24% of veterans in states with recreational marijuana laws meet the criteria for Cannabis Use Disorder. Veterans in states with medical marijuana laws also tended to use more mrijuana. Veterans who live in poverty or suffer from mental health disorders like PTSD are more likely to use marijuana compulsively.
Thirty-six states in the US have legalized or decriminalized marijuana, which has made it more accessible. However, anyone can develop an addiction to any drug. As marijuana has become more acceptable in modern society, Cannabis Use Disorder has become common in the United States, especially among veterans.
Cannabis Use Disorder describes marijuana use that is problematic to users, substantially affecting their day-to-day lives. For the user, marijuana may be the primary focus of their daily life. Some veterans may use marijuana to help cope with mental health issues (“medical marijuana”) and become dependent on the drug. While science doesn’t show clear health benefits of marijuana use, people often turn to it to help quell anxiety, chronic pain or depression.
Other symptoms of the disorder may include:
Research has shown that addiction and substance use disorders have increased during COVID-19. Marijuana use disorder is not new; however, as legalization has taken hold, increasingly high amounts of THC in marijuana products may be causing a stronger dependence on marijuana for users.
Forty years ago or so, the strength of smoked marijuana was 12% to 17% THC. Times and technology have changed. Today, dispensaries sell marijuana as vapes or concentrate as high as 68% THC. No one knows for sure the long-term effects of strong THC use. Preliminary research has shown that it can exacerbate some people's mental health symptoms, such as paranoia or psychosis. Many people anecdotally experience withdrawal effects when they use marijuana products heavily.
People with Cannabis Use Disorder have a disease of the brain. Treatment and recovery are available.
No matter what drug you have a problem with, help is available so you can start your journey to recovery. Many people who walk through our doors have struggled with mental health and substance use disorders. We help people create a path that helps them heal and begin to reclaim their lives. Give us a call at 619-363-4767 to learn more about how we can help.
Whether it’s an event or a series of events, going through trauma leaves its mark on people in various ways. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is one outcome for people who have experienced trauma. Studies show that PTSD and alcohol use disorder are closely related. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, nearly one-third of those who survive traumatic events such as accidents, violent crimes, or near-death experiences reported drinking problems.
Many people who struggle with PTSD have struggled to control their drinking or substance use. Often, they are self-medicating. Symptoms of the disorder can involve anxiety, depression, and trouble sleeping. It’s not surprising that alcohol may feel like it can offer a reprieve from symptoms. But often, self-medicating ultimately fails, causing more problems than it solves. People with PTSD are more likely to have an alcohol use disorder than the general population.
People with PTSD can suffer from symptoms of addiction, such as withdrawal symptoms, money trouble, or legal trouble. People with substance use/mental health disorders are also more likely to experience trauma and be a victim of violence. This is a painful cycle that many people go through as they try to survive. It’s not a fulfilling way of life; it is isolating and often full of risks.
People with alcohol use disorder often drink heavily regularly. But they don’t always have the same drinking patterns. While some people may binge for 2-3 days, others may start drinking in the day and drink into the evening. Alcohol use disorder can present itself in many ways.
Drinking every day, regularly drinking to excess, blacking out, and passing out are all unhealthy and dangerous drinking patterns. One of the main criteria for the disorder is being unable to control how much you drink when you do drink. A person with alcohol use disorder will probably continue to drink despite negative consequences such as a DUI or being late to work every day. They may also have to drink more and get the desired effects of alcohol and have withdrawal symptoms when they try to quit.
Do you or somebody you love struggle with drinking? Alcohol abuse can alienate relationships, cause damage to your quality of life, and kill your sense of self-worth.
People with PTSD can find real healing, but getting sober is important to start that journey.
We can help you learn more about your disorder, get sober, and begin to reclaim your life. Get in touch at 619-363-4767 for more information about our programs.
Our bodies require a constant energy source to control the cellular processes that are fundamental for life. These cellular processes involve preserving cellular health, restoring skin and brain cells, and repairing damaged DNA. Each of these processes is due to an enzyme called nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide.
Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is a coenzyme produced naturally in the human body. It was first discovered in 1906 by Sir Arthur Harden and William John Young. The discovery occurred during fermentation, where two nucleotides merged and formed NAD. The process also revealed that the fermentation was contingent upon NAD.
The importance of NAD IV therapy in treating substance use disorder (SUD) comes from Dr. Paul O'Hollaren. In 1961, he declared to have effectively applied NAD IV therapy for the treatment of over 104 cases of addiction to alcohol and other substances, including heroin, morphine, codeine, cocaine, and barbiturates. From his studies, he presented this miracle molecule that offers a holistic approach to helping those struggling with SUD by improving the physical symptoms of addiction.
Addiction to drugs or alcohol can drain the body of its natural enzymes. Due to this lack of enzymes, when an individual stops using substances, the withdrawal symptoms they experience worsen, making relapse more likely to occur. Addiction has become one of the most common and deadly disorders in modern society. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that an average of 59.7 million individuals are binge alcohol users, and 23.9 million individuals are illicit drug users. It only takes one encounter in life for some individuals to slip into addiction.
Overcoming addiction is complex, and the detox phase plays a significant role in that process. Incorporating medication to ease the withdrawal symptoms experienced in detox gives your body and brain time to recover, which raises the chances for long-term recovery. Research has proven that clients who receive no further treatment after detoxing have a higher chance of relapse. The withdrawal symptoms alone can cause serious side effects and possible death. Fortunately, some medications and treatments can suppress withdrawal symptoms during the detoxification process to make recovery more manageable, such as NAD IV therapy.
NAD therapy operates through an intravenous infusion. When administered intravenously, it can accurately reach the body's cells. Therefore, allowing our bodies to heal instantaneously.
NAD infusion therapy restores the body's natural NAD levels and, in turn, provides many benefits throughout the process. When NAD levels are fully restored, cravings for drugs and alcohol are easier to control, and withdrawal symptoms reduce significantly. There are many other benefits and reasons why NAD infusion therapy should be considered, including:
NAD infusion therapy can effectively help individuals get through the detox phase of treatment and become a long-term therapy choice for multiple types of substance abuse. The variety of detox treatment programs NAD infusion therapy can be used with include:
NAD IV therapy might be one of the latest trends for today's society, but the multitude of benefits cannot be denied. Not only does it help with the withdrawal symptoms and cravings experienced by those quitting drugs or alcohol, but it can also be effective for healthy skin, increasing fertility, and improving sleep patterns. There are endless possibilities with NAD IV therapy, establishing NAD infusion therapy as a miracle molecule for this generation.
Addiction is complex, which is why a proven approach like NAD infusion therapy can be an essential piece of a complete recovery. If you or a loved one struggles with substance abuse or mental health issues, help is available to you. In San Diego, California, Present Moments Recovery offers an individualized and inclusive approach to addiction, with many options available to heal the mind, body, and spirit. Our innovative drug and alcohol detox approaches allow clients to receive the best NAD infusion therapy with little discomfort and lasting results. Our family-run treatment center offers a comfortable and home-like atmosphere where each client feels like family. At Present Moments Recovery, we believe recovery can only happen in the present moment. We provide a safe and clinically controlled detox with minimal withdrawal symptoms. Let us help you find relief from addiction and allow yourself to heal. Call us today at (619) 363-4767.
If you or somebody you love struggles with symptoms of PTSD, you may have heard about Cognitive Processing Therapy, also called CPT. This type of therapy was explicitly created to help people with PTSD cope with past trauma. PTSD is a mental health disorder that can be complex to treat. While many people seek out Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), CPT is beneficial for people with trauma in their past. It can help people who live with PTSD challenge and modify their thoughts and feelings related to the trauma, lending a new perspective.
All people carry trauma in one form or another, but PTSD is a mental health disorder that takes place at least six weeks after the trauma. People with PTSD have intrusive memories, nightmares, anxiety, and other symptoms related to their trauma. The trauma can come from any source. For example, you may have experienced abuse, neglect, abandonment, a violent crime, or combat.
People with PTSD have in common their emotions and the symptoms they experience. People with PTSD experience panic, anxiety, depression, anger, and isolation. They may have trouble functioning day-to-day or feel like they are reliving their trauma repeatedly.
CPT therapy helps individuals confront their trauma and the thoughts they associate with the traumatic event. CPT follows a strict schedule that usually lasts 12 weeks. Through those weeks, a therapist helps clients understand how the trauma affects them today. Breaking the thought patterns can help people break their defeatist behavior patterns.
A person with PTSD may have formed different reactions to the trauma. For example, children may believe that they are unworthy of kindness or love because of how their parents treated them as a child. Unfortunately, this same belief may carry on to adulthood, where instead of forming relationships with a safe partner, an abuse victim may end up in abusive romantic relationships.
Using CPT, a therapist will help a client recognize unhealthy or maladaptive thoughts formed in reaction to trauma. These thoughts and feelings can often lead to self-destructive behavior, increased anxiety, or angry outbursts. Learning to react to these thoughts will come with therapy.
CPT helps a person understand their thoughts and where they come from. Over time and throughout recovery, people with PTSD can change these thoughts and replace them with healthier coping strategies and behaviors.
If you or somebody you love needs help overcoming their addiction, we’re here to help you take the first step. You’re worth it! Learn more about how we can help you get sober and get treatment for co-occurring disorders. All calls are confidential.
When a person first gets sober, there is a whirlwind of activity. This is especially true if you go to detox or treatment, where much of your time is spent in therapy and groups. However, we’re all human and sometimes prone to drama. When you first get sober, everything may feel new. Your emotions may be more intense than usual. It may be easy to focus or obsess on a person, place, or thing that you’re unhappy about.
Small things – like arguments, bad traffic, or a bad day at work can loom over you if you let them. You can easily dwell on the bad if you choose to. Why is this? Unfortunately, your mind, which is used to the lifestyle of addiction, is also accustomed to creating distractions that help give you excuses to use your drug of choice.
Many people new to recovery find themselves obsessing over upsetting situations from their past. Sadness, regret, and even mourning your old lifestyle make take the form of obsession, which is a symptom of substance use disorder.
Give yourself time to focus on letting go each day, no matter what you’re upset about. Start and end your day with a “letting go” activity, such as journaling your feelings. You can also do this through meditation, prayer, or simply by taking a long walk and practicing mindfulness. All of these can help quiet your mind and focus on recovery.
Accepting the help of others is an integral part of recovery. After all, look at where you ended up! But, unfortunately, your addiction didn’t do you any favors.
Now that you’re sober, you probably wonder what’s next. In recovery, you’ll have the opportunity to learn about your addiction. Treatment will help you through different types of therapy. And in the 12-step programs, you’ll find recovery peers who can help you stay sober. These are places you'll learn essential coping skills.
You will also need to find a sponsor who can help you work the 12 steps. Your sponsor is somebody you can trust with your secrets and who can share their experience, strength, and hope with you.
It can be humbling to accept help. But, just remember, asking for help is a sign of strength. You’ve got this! Calling, texting, and otherwise staying in touch with your recovery will help your focus immensely.
Asking for help is the first step in recovering from addiction. If you or somebody you love needs help, we’re here to help answer any questions you may have. So give us a call at 619-363-4767 to learn more about how we can help you get started on the path to recovery.
Many people who drink to excess wonder if they should take a break every once in a while. Dry January has become a trend across social media, and many people tout the health benefits of going alcohol-free for a short time.
For Dry January, millions of people decide to quit drinking for the entire month of January. People have many reasons they may choose to participate; mostly, though, they do it because of concern about their health or lifestyle.
According to recent research, the COVID-19 pandemic caused a considerable uptick in alcohol and other substance use. As a result, people drank too much, with 31% of regular drinkers admitting to drinking up to 12 days in the past month. In addition, those drinkers were highly likely to binge drink. It's no wonder many people hope to "reset" their drinking patterns or give it up entirely.
Quitting alcohol is always a good decision for your physical and mental health. But if you start drinking again, it's likely you'll reverse the benefits.
Quitting drinking has psychological benefits as well as health benefits. Many people want to slow down their drinking for their physical and mental health. Some of the benefits, such as better sleep and clearer skin, occur right away. Stomach problems clear up after a couple of weeks. People feel better about themselves, get to work on time more often, and find that they have extra time in their day for other pursuits when they are not using alcohol.
At the end of January, though, many people go right back to drinking and their unhealthy lifestyle. Some people stay sober or drink less as a result of their experience. However, for many, alcohol use disorder prevents them from getting and staying sober, even when they realize they want to. All of the weight loss, clear skin, and overall healthier lifestyle dry up into thin air when they start drinking again. It’s not possible to be addicted to alcohol and live a healthy life.
Many people try to get sober for January but fail. Some of them probably never intended to get sober in the first place. After all, Dry January is very similar to a New Year’s Resolution. There’s also the fact that as soon as you finish your 31 days sober, the plan is to go back to drinking in most cases.
The “break” from drinking doesn’t stop a person from having an alcohol use disorder. Instead, it reinforces the dangerous idea that you can go back to drinking safely. Unfortunately, it’s just not possible for many people to do so. Your addiction and the physical damage it does to the body don't "reset" in 30 days.
If you try to get sober for Dry January and fail, it’s not your fault. Alcohol use disorder is a disease. Your body’s dependence on alcohol can cause withdrawal symptoms that range from mild headaches or nausea to dangerous symptoms like seizures or fever. This is why it can be so challenging to get sober in the first place.
If you or somebody you love lives with alcohol use disorder, you’re not alone. So many people from all walks of life were once in your shoes and now live a life free from addiction.
It can be frightening to admit that you’ve lost control of your drinking. But we’re here to help! We know what it’s like, and we’re here to help you navigate your first steps to a new way of life.
Please reach out at 619-363-4767 to learn more about our programs. All calls are confidential.
It’s the holiday season, and while we’re still living with uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, strides have been made. Many people who have been vaccinated are now around other people for the first time in a while. It may seem that everyone is partying and celebrating.
Most people in recovery choose to stay away from parties or events where there may be drinking or other substance use. But you may feel pressured to go to family events after a long time of not seeing them. Or you may end up at an event you thought was straight-edge, only to learn there is substance abuse taking place.
Saying “no” to somebody isn’t as complicated as it sounds. You may feel pressured if the question catches you by surprise. Making “excuses” isn’t necessarily healthy, so don’t feel pressured to make up a lie. Saying “no” and continuing with whatever you’re doing is a good plan.
Again – for the most part, lying isn’t worth it. If you aren’t upfront about the reason you’ve quit drinking, you may be tempted. However, being upfront doesn’t mean breaking your anonymity. Here are a few ways to reject a drink:
You may want to make an excuse or lie up if you’re with strangers, and you don’t want to divulge what’s going on. But if you’re around people you know, don’t be dishonest. Let them know you don’t drink (or smoke weed) and do not intend to any time soon. If that offends them, that’s their problem.
You don’t have to drink or use marijuana or any other substance if you don’t want to. However, if you’re worried about triggers at holiday events, it’s vital to have an “exit plan,” such as planning to go to a 12-step meeting or another sober gathering.
In recovery, it’s important to keep your feet on the ground. Your safety and serenity should come first in your life. For one thing, COVID isn’t over, and it hasn’t been cured, and you may not even want to go to a party.
If you realize that you’re in a sketchy or uncomfortable situation, it’s time to THINK of your exit plan. Call your sponsor, text a friend, or let somebody else you trust that you’re having a bad time and are heading to a meeting.
If you or somebody you love needs help with a substance use disorder, we’re here to help you get started on your journey. Give us a call at 760-216-2077 to learn about your options.
Many people who are in recovery have experienced depression. There are many ups and downs in early recovery. For some people, depression is a mental health disorder that needs to be treated by medications, therapy, or other clinical means.
People in your life may want to help you but not know how. They may expect you to “cheer you up” on-demand or try to get you to be social when you really don’t feel up to it. If you suffer from depression, you probably want to talk about it with your support network.
In recovery, depression can feel especially isolating if you don’t share what you’re going through with others. Yet recovering from depression is important! Doing so with the help of others can be very rewarding.
All conversations must start somewhere, but you may worry about how you can kick off a chat about your mental health. In addition, you may wonder if there’s a right way or a wrong way to approach the conversation.
There’s no wrong way, really, but you can do things to help yourself feel more comfortable.
Understand that you aren’t obligated to tell anyone about your depression if you’re not comfortable doing so. That includes family, friends, and 12-step support members. Likewise, you’re allowed to keep some information about your life private if you choose to.
If you feel like certain people in your life won't understand will react poorly, the best thing is to protect yourself and do what you need to help yourself.
When you’re ready to talk about your depression, here are some tips on getting the conversation started:
Mental health disorders like depression are common among people who have experienced addiction. Many people describe substance use as a way to “self-medicate” or “feel normal.” However, when a person gets sober, they may feel the symptoms of depression or more intensely.
In treatment, you also may find you need help coping with depression or another mental health disorder. Again, this is a good thing – getting help for a mental health disorder can help you reclaim your life and feel better in general!
If you or somebody you love needs help with a substance use disorder, we’re here to guide you. Many of our clients also have co-occurring disorders like depression or generalized anxiety. We can help you get the most out of recovery and make a plan for success. Get in touch!
