Tuesday, August 28, 2018

Inpatient Alcohol Treatment


Alcohol is bad. It is bad for your health and for your wealth.  It really becomes a nightmare when it becomes an addiction. If we speak about Indiana alone, the facts could be baffling. Indiana houses some of the most extreme forms of alcohol abusers in the country.

What makes the situation even worse is the fact that most of them are young people. Young adults who have their entire lives in front of them. These are the people whom the nation depends upon for its growth.  What could be worse for a society and a nation than its foundations been eaten away? What good could alcoholics do for their societies?


They can't even think and stand straight.

Let alone take a rational decision.f the most extreme forms of alcohol abusers in the country.




Is the situation really bad?

Yes, for Indiana the situation is really bad. According to many surveys and studies, Indiana is home to a huge population of booze abusers. The situation is really bad as most of them are young adults in productive age. We need to understand why the situation is so bad. Alcoholism can lead to a gamut of health and psychological issues.  Booze plays with the reward system of the body. It’s all about dopamine. Dopamine is connected with the reward system of the body. Whenever there is a reward like situation then dopamine is released. It gives us a feeling of happiness and joy.

Then What’s Wrong

Dopamine if released in normal course is not a problem. The problem comes when alcohol becomes a source of releasing this hormone. The issues are grave. Reason being, in the beginning even a small amount of booze would give a nice dopamine kick. Over the time the body develops tolerance and more amount of alcohol is needed to provide the same kick. Just for the dopamine, a person keeps on drinking more and more alcohol. He then damages the nerves and liver of his body. The habit goes out of control and the person becomes an addict. If the addiction is beyond words and the situation calls for it then inpatient alcohol treatment may be required. This type of rehab saves the life. At times the situation is so bad that medical intervention is not an option. Conditions like delirium tremens are potentially lethal if not addressed on time. If you or someone you know needs such kind of help. Then feel free to get in touch with us. We are one of the best rehab options that you can choose in Indiana. Help is just a call away.

Monday, August 27, 2018

Outpatient Alcohol Rehab

Alcoholism is what kills people. It’s the most dreaded of all the addictions we know of. What makes it worse than other is the fact that it’s legal. Yes, we all know that. You just have to be of legal age to purchase and consume booze.



Things are not under control


If you are sensitive to the developments that are happening in Indiana, you would be aware of the fact that Indiana is one the worse hit places in the USA when it comes to alcohol addiction. More and more young adults and at times even minors are getting addicted to booze.

It's nothing to be proud of. In fact, it is pretty alarming. Our entire generation is neck deep in trouble. Imagine what could a bunch of alcoholics contribute towards the society? What good can do possibly do for the place where they live. What would be their contribution to the nation?

These people can't even stand straight. That's the plight of the region. People really need to open their eyes to this critical situation. We need to understand the fact that the very foundation of our society is crumbling. We better protect it. We need to act now.

Rehab: The only way out


We cannot just let the addicts carry on with their ways. They are not even aware that they have a problem. Darkness has engulfed them. They cannot make right from the wrong. It is just a vicious circle where they are trapped. The harm is equal to the self as well as to the surroundings. We need them to see the light. Rehab is the only way out. Just like every rehab effort, alcohol rehab is also of two types. The In-patient rehab and the outpatient rehab.

If your addiction is really serious it is in the advanced stage then inpatient rehab is the only thing which can save your life. In this type of rehab, you would be committed to a rehab center full time. To know more about it visits our website.

If your addiction is fairly recent then on the opinion of the rehab counselor you might be enrolled for an outpatient rehab. There are many ways outpatient rehab can work. The choice you make will be largely influenced by your counselor's opinion. Please note that all outpatient rehab efforts will need you to be determined.

No one is there watching you 24/7. It's just you and your willpower. You need to stay committed to the fact that you deserve a better life.  It would be best to connect with a professional rehab center like us. We can help you determine which outpatient option would work best for you. Help is just a call away.

Monday, August 20, 2018

Drug & Alcohol Rehab for Women


Alcohol and drugs addiction are pretty bad for everyone. It is even worse for women folks out there. Especially for the young women. There are so many things that can go wrong with an addict who happens to be a woman.




Why is addiction bad for women?


There are many pointers and studies which state that alcohol and drug addiction is really bad for women. We need to understand that a woman's body is different from that of a man. Women's body is more susceptible to the evil effects of drug and alcohol abuse. We also need to understand that a woman's body is designed to bear children and such abuse can severely hamper the fertility. Such habits also pose a significant threat to the growing fetus. Alcohol abuse can also lead to a battery of other issues for the women. It can lead to liver disease, heart disease and an overall drop in health.

Add to it the fact that such addictions also make them pretty much open to sexual attacks and sexually transmitted diseases. In fact, the chances of a drunk woman being raped by someone known to her are really great. This makes rehab for women even more important.

Drug Rehab for Women

Drugs are bad for everyone. Women need to get out of this dreaded habit as they have so much to contribute to the society. Drug rehab for women is more than a clinical procedure. It's also a process which helps in saving the society. Drug rehab for women is just like that for any other person, the only exception being the amount of care and empathy that needs to be put in. Options for in-patient and out-patient drug rehabs are also available for women. However, the experts at the rehab center will be a better judge in ascertaining the one that an addicted woman can opt for.

Alcohol Rehab for Women

Alcohol is the most abused drug in Indianapolis. Women in Indiana are no exception when it comes to alcohol addiction. They need to pull out of this dirty situation. They need to see the light. For this, there are many alcohol rehab options are available. However, the best judge of the option to avail will be the experts at a rehab center. They are trained to provide the addicts with the best rehab solution. Their advice will go a long way in determining the ultimate fate of the addict. Just to keep things in perspective, options of both inpatient and outpatient rehab programs for women are available. Opting for the right one, as mentioned earlier will depend upon the rehab experts.

Sober Living Indiana

Alcoholism is really an issue in Indiana now. In fact "sober living indiana" has now become a Google search term. Being into the business of rehabilitation we know how serious the situation actually is.




How bad is the situation?

As per a study conducted in 2015 by state epidemiology and outcomes group almost 22% of Indiana residents engage in binge drinking. That's really an alarming figure as most of the people in the sphere of study are young adults. Add to it the fact that almost 60% of Indiana youth uses alcohol. With such a huge population already consuming alcohol its really not a wonder that more and more people are feeling the repercussions of this dreaded addiction.  If we take the countrywide situation then it's even more gloomy. According to the national institute of alcohol abuse and alcoholism 15.1 million Americans suffer from alcohol use disorder, and most of them are young adults. They go on binge drinking and harm their bodies.

Binging is bad

Binge drinking creates potentially lethal situations. The youth will drink and then indulge in irresponsible behavior like driving or getting into an intimate relationship without using any protection. Add to it the fact that excessive alcohol consumption in itself leads to a battery of diseases and health conditions that require medical attention. Alcohol leads to broken families too. The trauma borne by children of alcoholic parents is huge. Social misfits is the term that describes them best. The extent of damage that alcohol does to a person and his loved ones cannot actually be explained by words.  Living a sober life is hence essential for personal growth as well as for the nation's growth.

Is there a way out?

Having said that. We also know that it's not easy to live a sober life once a person is hooked on booze. The reason rehab services like us exist is that a person willing to quit alcohol will require lots of support. The moment a person decides that he has to quit drinking is the moment when the chemicals in his body start to act as an obstacle.

The person addicted to alcohol cannot stop immediately. It would wreck his system. The addict faces many problems which if left unattended would lead to his death. Hence opting for a proper rehab is a must. Being in Indiana we know what the region needs to grow. We are just doing our part in creating a more sober Indiana. We truly respect people who take the first step towards recovery.  If you are looking for sober living facilities and rehab in Indiana then bridges of hope is the only name you should remember.


Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Opiod Withdrawal Scale

Opioid addiction is one of the worst kind of addiction that one can have. That's because generally opioids are prescribed as painkillers, and these painkillers over the course of time take shape of addiction. 



What is an opioid withdrawal scale? 

Opioid withdrawal scale a.k.a clinical opiate withdrawal scale is 11 point scale that is used to measure the common symptoms of opioid withdrawal.  Each of the symptoms is given a score from 0 to 5. 0 being the mildest and 5 being the strongest symptom of the score. The symptoms that are checked on the scale are as follows:

Resting pulse rate: A resting pulse of 80 or below is given a score of zero while a resting pulse of 120 or higher is given a score of five.

Sweating:  Either nil sweating is observed or profuse sweating is observed.

Restlessness: Same here either the person is completely calm or extremely restless.

Pupil size: Pupils would either be completely dilated or constricted.

Gastrointestinal Upset:  At times vomiting and diarrhea may be present.

Bone and Joint Aches: Very commonly found in this addiction.

Tears and Running Noses: Generally, it is observed that people addicted to opioids have a running nose. Although this symptom might even be completely absent.

Tremors: Tremors may not be present, or they may be severe enough to interfere with a patient’s ability to speak or move.

Goosebumps: The skin may be smooth on one end of the scale and might have goosebumps on the other.

Anxiety: Addicts may show no sign of anxiety or irritability at all, or they may be so anxious or irritable that they struggle to participate in the assessment.

Yawning: Due to lack of oxygen in the brain and blood stream these symptoms might be visible.

These questions have to be answered on a scale from zero to 5.Based on the overall score the treating doctors are able to determine the seriousness of the addiction and accordingly plan the next step of the treatment.

Signs of Opioid Withdrawal :

Low energy, Irritability, Anxiety, Agitation, Insomnia
A runny nose, Teary eyes
Hot and cold sweats, Goosebumps
Yawning
Muscle aches and pains
Abdominal cramping, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

Friday, August 10, 2018

Signs of Heroin Addiction


Heroin addiction is really something to be worried about. It's a hard drug after all. Heroin addicts initially can very successfully hide their addiction. Heroin addiction causes what we call a downer effect. What happens in heroin consumption is that the person consuming the drug feels no pain and lives in a constant state of euphoria. As we have already mentioned that in the initial stages of addiction it's very easy for a person to hide heroin track marks and the signs and symptoms which can make it easy for a person to detect his or her addiction.  Heroine is most commonly consumed by means of injections, so to look for needle marks on the arms is a good way to check on a person whether he/she is a heroin addict.


Signs of Heroin Addiction 


Following are the most common signs of heroin addiction.



  • Shortness of breath
  • Dry mouth
  • Constricted pupils
  • Sudden changes in behavior or actions
  • Disorientation
  • Cycles of hyper alertness followed by sudden nodding off
  • Droopy appearance, as if extremities are heavy

  • Please note that the above-mentioned signs and symptoms are not particularly unique to heroin addiction. These signs and symptoms may be observed in various other addictions also. Hence we are mentioning the most definitive signs and symptoms of a heroin addict for your knowledge.



  • Finding burned silver spoons in the house
  • Needles and syringes we should usually not be there in your house
  • Plastic bags especially the smaller ones. 
  • Pipes and bongs which are generally not seen in your home

  • Apart from these signs and symptoms there are specific behavioral and body language changes in heroin addicts. They are as follows
    • Constant lying when confronted with questions
    • Wearing long pants and long sleeve shirts to hide heroin needle marks 
    • Sudden worsening of performance in school or work, including expulsion or loss of jobs
    • Decreasing attention to hygiene and physical appearance Loss of motivation and apathy toward future goals
    • Withdrawal from friends and family, instead spending time with new friends with no natural tie
    • Lack of interest in hobbies and favorite activities
    • Repeatedly stealing or borrowing money from loved ones, or unexplained absence of valuables
    • Increase in slurred, garbled or incoherent speech
    As the duration of the addiction increases the body of the affected person develops tolerance and he would consume more and more of this deadly drug. A sudden loss of weight and appetite along with the above-mentioned signs and symptoms sure shot way to detect and identify a heroin addict. In case of women complete loss of menstrual cycle is often observed. Heroin addiction is really evil if you don't undergo rehabilitation then the chances of your survival are really slim. Yes, heroin addiction will definitely kill you one day and seriously it's not worth it. Come out of this menacing habit and connect with bridges of hope now. Everybody deserves a shot at life. 

    Thursday, August 9, 2018

    Outpatient Alcohol Treatment

    In case if the professionals and experts at the rehab center after evaluating a patient come to a conclusion that the patient would not require in-patient care then they would suggest him for an outpatient option where the patient would have to take certain medicines and attend regular counseling from time to time, but it would not be necessary for him to stay at the rehab center. Outpatient alcohol rehab is generally recommended for those alcoholics who have being wise enough to detect their addiction at an early phase. As an end note we would say that alcoholism is a bad habit and will destroy your life and your family.  It is always better to seek professional help in time and before it's too late connect with bridges of Hope to know more about it.


    How does Outpatient Alcohol Rehab Work?

    Outpatient alcohol rehab is for the alcoholics, who are in early phases of their addiction and the experts are of the opinion that they would not require intensive in-patient care. Generally treatment line includes minor medications and intensive psycho counseling. 

    Outpatient alcohol rehab works on the principle that an alcoholic would require high grade of motivation and development of will power to get rid of this menacing and evil addictive habit. A person suffering from alcoholism should be grateful to his Gods that the rehab center is of the opinion that he would require only outpatient rehab care, we say so because inpatient rehab generally signals towards the seriousness of alcoholism as an addiction. Bridges of Hope is committed to provide the best expertise and health that a person can get for breaking away from this bad habit. If you or someone you know is suffering from alcoholism and wants to get out of it, then it would be a wise idea to connect with us immediately. Life is more about joy and giving care rather than being addicted and getting engulfed by the darkness.



    Tuesday, August 7, 2018

    Symptoms of Alcohol Withrawal and Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

    Alcoholism is bad for health and it's bad for a family life. Having a drink or two does not generally cause a problem, The real problem starts when the person cannot control his drinking habits and alcohol takes priority over other work and other tasks that a person might have. In short alcoholism is a kind of addiction which is equally evil as drugs abuse.

    If you or someone else is suffering from alcoholism then there are a certain set of peculiar traits that you would find in them which would help you diagnose that the person is suffering from alcoholism. 




    Symptoms of Alcohol Withdrawal

    Before we go on a listing the symptoms of alcohol withdrawal we must understand what actually causes it? Alcoholism as we have already mentioned is a condition where a person gets heavily addicted to alcohol that is try to understand what actually causes alcohol addiction. Alcohol by its chemical nature alters the reward system of the human body. The reward system of the human body and the human mind is controlled by a chemical called dopamine when dopamine is released in the body it gives the feeling of self confidence and happiness. Once a person consumes alcohol then dopamine is released however over the time the body becomes tolerant to alcohol and more and more quantity of the same is required to give the appropriate kick of dopamine. This is what causes dependence or addiction to alcohol.

     Following are the symptoms that are generally associated with alcohol withdrawal (please take a note that alcohol withdrawals are the symptoms which a person experiences when he attempts to leave alcohol after serious abuse):


     Confusion

    A person who suddenly leaves consuming alcohol would experience serious confusion in taking even small decisions.


     Palpitations

    Once Upon A leaves consuming alcohol then his heart rate might become erratic and he would experience palpitations.

    Anxiety

    Since a person would be experiencing confusion and palpitations then it’s natural for him to be engulfed with the feeling of anxiety.

    Restlessness

    Restlessness is a very real symptom with alcohol withdrawal. A person undergoing alcohol withdrawal would always be seen being restless and he would also experience severe headaches.


    Apart from the above mentioned symptoms a person undergoing alcohol withdrawal would also experience serious bouts of vomiting, nausea, mood swings, profuse sweating and fever. If the addiction is really serious than a condition called delirium tremens would also be observed, delirium tremens is associated with altered mental functions, fear, seizures and heavy mood swings. A person might even require medical intervention if his body is very weak.


    Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline


    There are three phases in alcohol withdrawal  timeline and they are as follows:

     Phase 1: This happens within 6 to 12 hours of leaving alcohol and is associated with headache, stomach pains and nausea.

     Phase 2: This happens within 12 to 48 hours of leaving alcohol and is associated with a rise in body temperature, increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and confusion.

     Phase 3: This phase occurs within 48 to 72 hours of leaving alcohol and is associated with seizures, hallucinations, delirium tremens and if not attended by professionals this phase could result even in death.


    Monday, August 6, 2018

    Opioid Withdrawal

    Opioidsare basically drugs which are used by doctors to cure pain. They are derived from opium hence the name.

    Why are Opioid Addictive?

    Opioids are potent painkillers, apart from reducing the pain they also promote a feeling of well being and happiness in those who consume them. This at times becomes addictive. Opioids are prescription drugs, which mean to begin with a person gets them on doctor’s recommendation, gradually the tolerance to the drug comes into action and to derive the same benefit a person needs more and more of it. If not taken care of this tolerance takes shape of addiction. Since these are controlled drugs, the addicts are often seen changing their doctors and hiding the facts about their condition to get more and more of this drug. Opioids cannot be taken lightly as an overdose or constant consumption can lead to cardiac arrest and even death.




    How to detect Opioid Addiction?

    Opioid addiction is really menacing to the human body and the mind. It is a very uncomfortable experience but generally is not life-threatening.




    Following are the symptoms of opioid withdrawal :
    • Low energy, Irritability, Anxiety, Agitation, Insomnia
    • A runny nose, Teary eyes
    • Hot and cold sweats, Goosebumps
    • Yawning
    • Muscle aches and pains
    • Abdominal cramping, Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea

    The withdrawal symptoms can last a week to even a few months and can be very trying for the person undergoing rehab.