What should I leave at home during my stay?

iPhones, iPads, iPods, radios, or any personal electronic devices Razors or anything that needs to plug into a wall Weapons, such as blades, knives, guns, or weapon-like items Scissors Drugs and Medications (excluding HIV medications) Alcohol.

What should I bring with me to the hospital for my stay?

Casual clothing, Comfortable shoes for exercise (e.g., sneakers, house slippers, etc.) Personal care items (e.g., toothbrush & toothpaste, shampoo & conditioner) Insurance card and photo I.D. or Driver's License List of current medications No more than one moderately-sized bag of personal effects Calling card

Where is Ridgeview Hospital located?

Ridgeview is located outside of Middle Point, OH, in a rural setting. We are 30 miles west of Lima, OH and 45 miles east of Fort Wayne, IN.

How Do You Identify Psychological Triggers?

Identifying psychological triggers involves several steps: Identify Your Responses: Pay attention to your emotional and physical reactions when you feel overwhelmed. Note feelings like anger, sadness, or physical symptoms like a pounding heart or rapid breathing. Retrace Your Steps: Reflect on what led to these emotions. Analyze your activities and surroundings prior to the onset of these feelings to identify potential triggers. Repeat the Cycle: Understanding triggers can be complex and may require multiple attempts. If the process is challenging, consider seeking professional mental health care to assist in identifying and managing these triggers.

What is an Emotional Trigger?

An emotional trigger is a type of psychological trigger that specifically evokes an intense emotional response. This reaction can be sudden and usually feels more severe than what the trigger logically warrants. Common emotional triggers include public speaking or certain social situations, leading to symptoms like dizziness, rapid heart rate, nausea, anger, or anxiety.

What Does it Mean to be Triggered?

Being triggered means having an intense emotional or psychological reaction due to an external factor, typically associated with recalling a traumatic event or experiencing a reminder of past distress. It can manifest as sudden anxiety, sadness, anger, or other emotional responses.

What Does Triggered Mean?

The term 'triggered' refers to experiencing a strong emotional or psychological response that is set off by a specific external stimulus. In the context of mental health, being triggered often relates to an emotional, symptomatic, or memory-based reaction tied to past trauma or intense experiences.

Triggers, also known as emotional or mental health triggers, are stimuli like memories, objects, or people that spark intense negative emotions. These triggers can lead to a sudden and often disproportionate emotional response compared to the stimulus.

How Strong Is Fentanyl Compared to Other Opioids?

Fentanyl vs Dilaudid: Dilaudid, containing hydromorphone, is about 10 times more potent than morphine but still about one-tenth as strong as fentanyl. Fentanyl vs Oxycodone: Oxycodone is about one-and-a-half times more potent than morphine, making it much weaker compared to fentanyl. Fentanyl's potency is such that even a small amount can lead to overdose, significantly stronger than oxycodone and other commonly prescribed opioids.

How Much Stronger Is Fentanyl vs Morphine?

Fentanyl is significantly stronger than morphine. For example, fentanyl is about 100 times stronger than morphine, with some fentanyl analogues being up to 10,000 times more potent.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid, more potent than morphine, and is used in cases of extreme chronic pain, particularly in patients who have developed a tolerance to other pain medications. It is typically used in controlled hospital settings or for end-of-life care due to its high potency and addiction risk.

Is Morphine an Opiate?

Yes, morphine is an opiate, derived from the opium poppy. It functions by binding to opioid receptors in the brain, thereby blocking pain signals from the nervous system.

What is Morphine Used For?

Morphine is primarily used for alleviating severe pain. It is commonly applied in various medical settings, including acute postoperative pain and palliative care, to maintain comfort and quality of life.

Morphine is an opioid pain medication, originally isolated in 1827, and is extensively used for pain relief. It serves as a benchmark for comparing the potency of other opioids.

How Do I Help a Loved One Experiencing Suicidal Ideations?

Approach them with empathy and understanding, avoiding blame. Encourage them to express their feelings and seek professional help. Be supportive in their journey towards recovery, which may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes. Remember, having difficult conversations and offering a listening ear can be vital first steps in helping them.

What are Signs That Someone Is Suicidal?

Signs can include verbal expressions of wanting to die, researching suicide methods, engaging in risky behaviors, feelings of hopelessness or isolation, increased substance use, anxiety, mood swings, withdrawing from social activities, giving away possessions, and visible signs of self-harm.

What are Risk Factors for Suicidal Ideation?

Risk factors include a family history of suicide or mental illness, mood disorders like depression or bipolar disorder, substance abuse, personal history of abuse or trauma, major personal losses, significant physical illness, lack of support networks, and limited access to mental and physical healthcare.

Are Suicidal Thoughts Normal?

While suicidal thoughts indicate extreme emotional distress and should be taken seriously, they are not uncommon, especially among young adults. However, they are not 'normal' in the sense of being healthy or acceptable.

What are Examples of Passive Suicidal Ideations?

Examples include thoughts like 'I just don't want to live anymore,' 'I wish I was never born,' 'I hope this plane crashes,' 'My family would be better off if I wasn't around,' and 'I hope I die in my sleep.'

What is Passive Suicidal Ideation?

Passive suicidal ideation involves thoughts of dying or wishing for death without a plan to act on these thoughts. It's often linked to feelings of depression or anxiety and can be a recurring experience for those with chronic mood disorders.

What Does Passively Suicidal Mean?

Being passively suicidal refers to having thoughts about wanting to die or wishing for death, without actively planning or attempting suicide. It differs from active suicidal ideation, which involves specific plans or intentions to harm oneself.

Meth and crack (a form of cocaine) differ in composition and effects. Crack is a short-acting stimulant with effects that last a shorter duration compared to the longer-lasting effects of meth.

Yes, meth is a stimulant, increasing activity in the central nervous system and leading to heightened alertness, energy, and physical activity.

No, meth is not an opioid. Opioids are a different class of drugs that primarily affect the body's pain and reward system.

How Long Does a Meth High Last?

The high from meth can last anywhere from 6 to 12 hours, influenced by the method of ingestion and the dose. The intensity and duration of the high are key factors contributing to the drug's addictive potential.

Can You Overdose on Meth?

Yes, it's possible to overdose on meth, and such occurrences can be life-threatening. Symptoms of a meth overdose can include high fever, chest pain, seizures, and heart problems. Immediate medical attention is crucial in such situations.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your Urine?

Meth generally remains detectable in urine for one to four days for occasional users, but this duration can extend up to a week or more for those with heavy or prolonged usage.

How Long Does Meth Stay in Your System?

Meth can be detected in urine for one to seven days, in blood for one to three days, in saliva for up to two days, and in hair follicles for up to 90 days.

What Does Meth Look Like?

Meth typically appears as a white, bitter-tasting powder or in crystalline form, which resembles glass fragments or shiny, bluish-white rocks.

How Addictive is Meth?

Meth is extremely addictive due to its rapid and powerful impact on dopamine levels in the brain, leading to quick development of tolerance and dependence.

How Long Do Meth Addiction Withdrawal Symptoms Last?

Withdrawal symptoms from meth addiction can persist for several weeks, with the most intense symptoms typically subsiding within the first one to two weeks.

Methamphetamine, commonly referred to as meth, is a potent central nervous system stimulant known for its euphoric effects, often found in powder or crystallized form known as crystal meth.

What is a Behavioral Health Technician?

A behavioral health technician supports the treatment of individuals with behavioral disorders, mental health issues, or substance abuse problems, assisting in implementing care plans and providing direct patient support under professional supervision.

What is a Behavioral Health Specialist?

A behavioral health specialist is a professional trained in diagnosing and treating a variety of behavioral health issues, often providing counseling, therapy, and creating treatment plans for mental health and substance use disorders.

What are Behavioral Health Services?

Behavioral health services encompass a range of interventions and support for mental health issues, substance abuse, and behavioral challenges, including counseling, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation programs.

What is the Difference between Behavioral Health and Mental Health?

The key difference lies in scope: behavioral health covers a broader range, including mental health, substance use, and behaviors affecting health, while mental health focuses specifically on emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

What is Integrated Behavioral Health?

Integrated behavioral health is a holistic approach combining mental health care, substance abuse treatment, and primary healthcare, ensuring comprehensive patient care for both physical and mental well-being.

What is Behavioral Health Counseling?

Behavioral health counseling is a therapeutic approach focusing on modifying behaviors and lifestyle choices to improve mental and physical well-being, often addressing mental health issues alongside.

What is Behavioral Health?

Behavioral health refers to the interplay between behavior and the health of the mind, body, and spirit, encompassing mental health, substance use, and lifestyle choices impacting wellness.

What are the Risk Factors of Ignoring Dual Diagnosis?

Ignoring dual diagnosis poses severe risks such as worsened mental health symptoms, increased substance abuse, and higher relapse rates. Lack of targeted treatment can lead to a cycle of deterioration affecting relationships, employment, and overall well-being. Early identification is key.

What Mental Illnesses are Commonly Tied to Dual Diagnosis?

Common mental illnesses in dual diagnosis include depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, PTSD, and ADHD. These conditions often interact with substance abuse, exacerbating each other and complicating treatment. Proper diagnosis is crucial for a targeted, effective treatment plan.

Why is it Important to Identify Dual Diagnosis?

Identifying dual diagnosis is critical for effective treatment. Treating only one condition often leads to high relapse rates for both. A targeted approach that addresses both mental health and substance abuse can significantly improve overall well-being and reduce the stigma associated with these conditions.

How common is dual diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis is increasingly recognized as a common occurrence, affecting millions in the U.S. alone. Estimates suggest that about 50% of individuals with a mental disorder will also have a substance abuse disorder at some point in their lives, making integrated treatment crucial.

What is the most common dual diagnosis?

The most common dual diagnosis often involves depression or anxiety disorders paired with alcohol or drug abuse. These conditions interact, as individuals may use substances to cope with mental health symptoms, which in turn exacerbates their condition. Proper treatment targets both issues.

What is Dual Diagnosis?

Dual diagnosis refers to the co-occurrence of a mental health disorder and a substance abuse disorder in an individual. These conditions often interact, making treatment more complex. Addressing both issues is essential for effective, long-term recovery.

What is an example of dual diagnosis?

An example of dual diagnosis is an individual suffering from both depression and alcoholism. The conditions often feed into each other, creating a cycle that worsens both issues. Treatment requires a coordinated approach to address both the mental health and substance abuse aspects.

When should you walk away from someone with mental illness?

Deciding to distance yourself from someone with a mental illness is a complex and sensitive issue that should be handled with care. If the relationship becomes too emotionally draining, affects your own mental health negatively, or if there's a pattern of toxic behavior that doesn't improve despite attempts to help, it may be time to consider walking away. Prioritize your own well-being, and consult with mental health professionals for guidance on how to approach the situation.

What can you do for the severely mentally ill?

For individuals with severe mental illness, immediate professional intervention is crucial, which may include inpatient or residential treatment for acute symptoms. Support from loved ones in helping them access and navigate mental health services is vital. It's important to maintain an open dialogue, while also guiding them toward professional evaluation and treatment options tailored to their needs.

How do people with mental illness get help?

Individuals with mental illness can begin their journey to recovery by recognizing the signs and symptoms of their condition. Open and empathetic conversations with loved ones can provide initial support and encouragement to seek professional help. Professional assistance may include consulting a mental health professional for diagnosis and treatment, which can encompass various approaches like therapy, medication, and sometimes inpatient care.

What to do with a mentally ill person who won't get help?

When dealing with someone who is mentally ill and refuses to seek help, it's essential to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Providing non-judgmental support while offering information on available mental health resources can be beneficial. However, if the person poses an immediate risk to themselves or others, emergency intervention may be necessary.

A Xanax bar is usually the 2 mg version of the alprazolam. It comes in four squares attached lengthwise and is referred to as a Xanax bar (or xanny bar).

How a Drug or Alcohol Addiction Affects Your Immune System

Consistent, prolonged, and excessive consumption of alcohol or drugs can weaken your immune system, making you more likely to get sick, struggle to fight off infections, develop sepsis, and are more prone to viral infections passed through blood or body fluids.

Healing addiction and immune system weakness is possible..

Drugs affect your body in various harmful ways. Substance abuse affects several body systems, and each drug affects the body differently. The individual impacts of substance use will usually vary from person to person. How a particular drug may impact you depends on several factors unique to you, including your overall health, body size, the type and amount of the drug, and whether you are consuming alcohol or taking other drugs simultaneously.

It is also important to remember that drugs have both short and long-term physical and psychological effects. The most significant impact of addiction is overdose or death. Statistics from the National Center for Health Statistics at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show more than 70,000 Americans died from a drug-involved overdose in 2019.

Table of Contents

A Brief Overview of Addictions Effects on Physical Health

addiction-and-immune-system — Addiction and immune system

How a drug or alcohol addiction affect physical health - infographic — How a drug or alcohol addiction affect physical health – infographic

Although various drugs have different effects, several side effects of short- and long-term substance use are often seen regardless of one’s substance of choice. Substance use affects virtually every organ and system in the human body to varying degrees.

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Ongoing drug use weakens your immune system, dramatically elevating your risk of infection
or illness.
Many prescription drugs affect your heart rate and blood pressure.
Drug use has harmful and sometimes irreversible effects on your digestive system.
Many drugs affect your lungs, leading to respiratory rate and function changes.
Drugs also impact your liver, reproductive system, and kidneys and significantly affect cognitive health and function.

Understanding Your Immune System

Your immune system is vital in protecting your body from illness and disease. It works invisibly to help ward off toxins and filter everything that enters your body. Your immune system is comprised of a collection of organs, proteins, and cells. The U.S National Library of Medicine explains the three key ways this complex system works.

It neutralizes pathogens (germs), including bacteria and viruses, and helps remove them from your body.
It recognizes and neutralizes harmful substances that enter the body.
It fights cells native to your body (your own cells) that have mutated or changed. A typical example of this includes cancer cells.

What Affects Do Drugs and Alcohol Have on Your Immune System?

When pathogens do not adversely impact body responses, your body functions (including its immune response) will run smoothly. But, when it encounters toxins, bacteria, and other pathogens, it can weaken your body’s ability to counter the effects of foreign invaders. This is when illness and disease can take hold.

The risk to your immune system does not necessarily come from alcohol or a specific drug. Instead, your immune system is weakened by the effects ongoing substance use and abuse have on the various systems in your body. Most substances cause a range of physical symptoms, including dietary change, sleeping problems, dehydration, and a host of other physical and mental health complications. All of the above can lead to a weakened and poorly functioning immune system.

Alcohol and its Effects on Your Immune System

The National Institute on Alcohol Use and Alcoholism (NIAAA) states that “excess alcohol consumption may lead to immune deficiency, causing increased susceptibility to certain diseases.” Chronic, prolonged alcohol use and abuse may lead to several health impacts directly or indirectly connected to a weakened immune response.

Prolonged alcohol use may cause problems in your digestive system, causing damage to the cells which secrete the enzymes needed for digestion.
Long-term alcohol use leads to liver damage and liver failure. The liver is where vitamins are stored in the body. When liver damage occurs, it can impact vitamin levels leading to reduced immunity.
Alcohol may affect your ability to store protein.
Prolonged alcohol abuse may cause autoimmunity, a condition that causes the immune system during which the body attacks its own tissues.
An alcohol use disorder may affect the white blood cells in the body, which are responsible for eliminating “killer” white blood cells. Without this defense system, you are at a heightened risk of developing more life-threatening diseases like cancer.

How Other Drugs Affect Your Immune Response

While alcohol abuse can harm your immune health in several ways, so can other types of drugs.

Heroin

As with many opioid drugs, heroin use may result in addiction. When a person becomes addicted, they think only about obtaining and using heroin. This fixation can cause a person to neglect personal health, such as sleep and food needs, resulting in a weakened immune system. As with alcohol use, heroin use may also affect your digestive system, causing a lack of proper nutrition and a weakened system.

Cocaine

The Endowment for Human Development organization states, “cocaine users are more likely than nonusers to suffer from HIV, hepatitis, sexually transmitted diseases, and other infections.” This is due to the impact of cocaine use on the individual’s immune system. Cocaine is a stimulant drug that disrupts the function of a critical protein system component. Without the operation of this protein, the body is not as effective at fighting disease as it would typically be.

Prescription Drugs (Morphine):

As the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) explains, “morphine works to suppress the immune system through a “brain-to-body” pathway. Addictive prescription drugs like morphine sets off a “chain reaction,” which ultimately leads to the suppression of three different types of white blood cells.”

Marijuana

This psychoactive drug has a negative impact on a variety of body cells, including those in the immune system. Marijuana use reduces the body’s ability to fight viruses, bacteria, fungi, and protozoa-related diseases. The immune system’s ability to fight cancer cells might be impaired due to its diminished capacities.

What Happens to the Immune System When You Stop Drugs?

The immune system is the most complex system in the human body and, indeed, one of the most important. It identifies and neutralizes harmful pathogens and keeps our bodies healthy. Excessive alcohol and drug use can damage the liver, which is crucial in triggering your immune system’s response. Drug and alcohol abuse can also significantly affect the immune system by reducing and suppressing white blood cell production. White blood cells are the body’s main line of defense against illness and disease–the potential dangers of which are apparent.

Compound the above with an increased risk of malnutrition (the most significant cause of immunodeficiency), and you have a recipe for a weakened immune system.

5 Most See Movies About Drug Addiction

For many of us, there are few things more relaxing than sitting back and enjoying a good movie. As we relish in the sweet escape from everyday life that a good movie provides, we also relish in its power to spark our emotions and make us laugh until we cry. Yet, movies don’t need to …

FAQ

1. How does substance abuse weaken the immune system?

Drug and alcohol addiction can impair the immune system by disrupting the body’s ability to produce white blood cells, which are essential for fighting infections. Long-term substance abuse can also lead to inflammation and increase the risk of infections and chronic illnesses.

2. Can recovering from addiction improve immune function?

Yes, recovery from addiction can help restore immune function over time. By eliminating harmful substances and adopting healthier habits, the body can begin to repair damage to the immune system, improving overall health and resistance to illnesses.

3. What are the risks of a weakened immune system due to addiction?

A compromised immune system can leave individuals more vulnerable to infections, including respiratory illnesses, hepatitis, and HIV. It can also prolong recovery from common illnesses and contribute to the development of long-term health conditions such as cardiovascular disease.