A 1993 research article on 1,250 college students is one of many studies that confirmed Halloween is a holiday where alcohol and drug consumption are rampant. This still rings true today and makes it challenging to celebrate and enjoy Halloween during recovery from substance abuse. 

Of course, the true spirit of Halloween is found in the witty costumes and the spooky decorations. You don’t need to consume alcohol or drugs to make Halloween an enjoyable event. Nevertheless, there are real risks around substance consumption that you may fall victim to inadvertently. 

Thus, vigilance is the key to celebrating the holiday. Here are some tips to help you through Halloween during recovery: 

Steer clear of peer pressure 

Peer pressure often runs high during holidays like Halloween. Your friends or loved ones may entice you by saying: 

• “One drink can’t hurt you.” 
• “Come on, it’s Halloween! You can let go every once in a while, right?” 
• “It’s just one day. You can get back to recovery right away!” 

These comments may mean well, since they want you to enjoy Halloween, too. However, notice that these statements can apply to practically any other area in your life. 

Giving in because of what they said can result in you using the same reasons yourself. This makes celebrating Halloween on recovery significantly more difficult to continue. 

Take the first step and avoid peer pressure altogether. Here’s how you can do it: 

• Remind yourself to say, “No, thanks.” There’s no need to explain why you’re refusing the offer. A simple no will suffice. 
• Stay with loved ones or friends who are supportive of your recovery. They know that you have to avoid substances to recover successfully and will never think to pressure you. 

• Consider avoiding parties. Everyone is expected to drink in a party. It doesn’t have to involve a person actively pressuring you to drink. Just being surrounded by people drinking can have an influence on you. Thus, you may have to rethink joining that party you were invited to. 

These suggestions may sound like they take a lot of fun out of Halloween, especially since it’s a social event. However, remember that Halloween is about dressing up as your favorite character through a witty costume. 

Drinking and consuming other substances is optional at best. But to truly celebrate the essence of Halloween, socialize and mingle with people whose costumes you like. 

Check the candy you receive 

On September 2022, 8 students at the Litchfield Community Learning Center in Akron, Ohio, were hospitalized after consuming cannabis gummies. Gummy candies are an example of “edibles,” which are foods that contain cannabis. 

Edibles can come in various forms, including: 

• Pastries 
• Brownies 
• Other baked foods 

Usually, your peers will let you know that they’re giving you edibles. Sometimes, however, you’ll receive food that may actually be edible without your knowledge. It’s also possible that you’ll take a bite off of a brownie or some food on a baking tray during a party that secretly contains cannabis. 

Thus, it’s important that you exercise caution whenever you receive candy. To do that, here are some things you should remember: 

• Wrapped candies, chocolates, and other sweets by reputable companies should be fine. On the other hand, you should take homemade foods with a grain of salt. 
• If it’s homemade, ask the person who gave it to you if it contains cannabis. Explain that you’re recovering from substance abuse and that you can’t risk consuming a drug by accident. 
• When in a rowdy party, try to avoid the food stand. You may end up hungry during the party, but you’ll also guarantee a sober Halloween. 

Be cautious of drinks given to you 

In the same light, you should also be careful of drinks that may be given to you. This is especially in parties where the punch bowl may contain some trace of alcohol. Some people can mix the drinks so well that you’ll barely taste the whiskey or gin that was mixed in. 

To protect yourself, here are some key things you need to remember: 

• Drink only from pre-packaged juices or bottles. Avoid drinks that have signs of being previously opened, as it may have been spiked. 
• Avoid homemade beverages from a party. You can never be too sure if the punch bowl has alcohol in it. 
• Bring your own drinks. The best guarantee of protection is to drink only the beverages you brought yourself. 

Some people, however, may have nefarious reasons and spike your drink without your knowing. Hence, always keep a watchful eye on your beverage. 

Open up about your recovery  

If you do decide to accept the candies or beverages given to you, it’s alright. Discerning which foods or drinks are safe to consume for you is vital if you choose to celebrate Halloween with some decreased restraint. 

In any case, it’s always highly advisable to open about your recovery when you receive such gifts while celebrating Halloween. This lets your peers know about your situation and act accordingly around you. For instance, they may cross out offering you edibles or cocktails and, instead, give you juice or sweets that don’t contain cannabis. 

However, it’s also possible that they simply don’t care, or may think that you just want to miss out on the fun. This may be discouraging to you, but it can eliminate some risks of being offered substances. 

Stay with loved ones 

Who else better to celebrate the spookiness of Halloween than with your family and friends? 

Indeed, there are a lot of people out there from all walks of life who come in interesting costumes, have compelling personalities, and be overall fun to be with. Unfortunately, not all of them will be supportive of your path to recovery and may even tempt you to consume substances during the celebration. 

On the other hand, your loved ones are significantly more likely to support you in your recovery – and in, fun ways, too! You can bake delectable brownies, cook up some delicious food, and whip up drinks, all without substances. 

Staying with your loved ones during Halloween makes you realize not only that you can have fun without substances. It also shows you the value of your loved ones in helping you through your recovery. 

Keep professional help on speed dial during Halloween

When celebrating Halloween recovering, substance abuse is one of the biggest risks you can face. If you’ve consumed a substance by accident while celebrating, it’s best to act fast to make sure you stay on your path to recovery. At California Recovery Center, we attend to each client based on their needs. If you happen to consume alcohol or a drug while celebrating Halloween during recovery, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our outpatient and inpatient treatment options will help you get back to recovering right away. 

As we greet the new year, many of us try to map out what it will look like by creating resolutions for ourselves. The most common resolutions usually correlate to improving health and overall wellbeing. We often see exercise, weight loss, and healthy eating topping the chart. Other lifestyle improvements, such as quitting smoking and reducing drinking also appear frequently. Some people also wants to get sober and set recovery as a resolution.

An Opportunity for a Clean Slate

Those suffering from addiction look to New Year’s resolutions as an opportunity for a clean slate. A fresh year and a fresh start. Like other resolutions, it is a well-intentioned goal and can be a great starting point for those looking to being their recovery journey.  

However, attributing recovery to the same means as losing weight can create difficulty in meeting these goals; as resolutions tend to take on the same effectiveness as fad diets. A major issue being people create these resolutions out of guilt, instead of self-care. Sure, you may not be happy with your current situation, but to make real change you have to believe you are worthy of a better life and look at these goals as improvements, not punishments.  

Self-love and a Positive Mindset

Another problem comes from the time expectations built into a resolution, to make a huge life change suddenly and in a relatively small amount of time. Creating such big expectations for ourselves leaves no room for setbacks, which are part of the growth process. Often, growth is not linear and these “mistakes” help us learn what we need to work on. However, perceiving each misstep as an absolute failure, creates negative thought patterns and internal language. Again, this needs to be about self-love and a positive mindset is key.  

Instantaneous gratification is not equal to a sustainable lifestyle. At California Recovery Center (CRC), we believe in creating healthy and balanced lifestyles, which make recovery more attainable. Looking at the end goal, rather than the journey to get there. This is one reason a lot of people throw in the towel within the first few months. 

It’s important to remember that resolutions and recovery are not synonymous. You do not need the start of the year or instrumental marker to begin your journey out of addiction. You need only to be ready.  

If you or a loved one struggles with an addiction to drugs or alcohol, seeking help at an addiction treatment center like CRC is the first step on your journey to lasting recovery. To learn more about how our programs can help you get sober, contact our admissions team today. 

Many of us look forward to the holidays as an opportunity to give thanks and spend time with loved ones we normally do not get to see. It’s a time for celebration, good food, and community. However, it can also present a number of triggers and stress from overstimulation. If you’re having difficulty getting control over your drinking or feel it is keeping you from engaging socially, it may be time to seek treatment.  For those battling addiction, it can be a particularly trying time.    

How to Manage Alcohol Addiction During the Holidays

If you are currently working through or with your addiction, being around large groups of friends and family who are celebrating the holidays by drinking copiously can put a strain on your battle. Before you surrender or isolate yourself from events (which can also have a negative affect) consider these options:  

• Do not skip dinner: Avoid eating on an empty stomach, as alcohol will absorb into your bloodstream at a faster rate than if you have eaten.  
• Set a limit: Decide on a limit before you go. If you know you’re going to be drinking, decide how many drinks you’ll have and pace yourself throughout the evening.  
• Measure, do not pour: Always measure the amount of alcohol going into a mixed drink, this will allow you to have an accurate idea of how much you’ve had.  
• Make it a team effort: Enlist the help of a trusted friend or family member to help you stick to your limit and make sure you stay safe.  
• Alternate: Remember to alternate alcoholic drinks with water. This will keep you hydrated, full, and help pace you through the evening.  
• Lose the keys: Have a safe ride home. It’s always a good idea, even if you plan on not drinking, to have a safety net; should something not go according to plan. This ensures that no matter what, everyone will be safe. Even if you “feel fine,” remember a DUI costs more than an Uber!

Sobriety During the Holidays

If you have decided you do not want to drink this holiday season, here are some tips on maintaining your sobriety: 

• Enjoy a non-alcoholic beverage: There are now a variety of options if you want to join in on the holiday festivities, without alcohol. Bring your own beverages to ensure you will have plenty for the evening and not risk venturing into alcoholic beverages, should you run out.  
• No means no: We all know how early peer pressure can detract from our best laid plans, so be firm with people about not drinking or maintaining a limit. Your main focus is to look out for your well-being, not appeasing others with overdrinking. You can tell people ahead of time or at the event and give little to no detail why you’ve chosen not to partake or adhere to a specific amount. It is completely your decision.  
• Know before you go: Be aware of the type of event you will be attending, whether it’s a family gathering, a close friend get-together, or a large party of people you don’t know well, it helps to consider the type of environment you will be in. If it seems like a situation that could potentially cause more issues by going than politely declining, consider staying at home or fining an alternative event.  
• Lose the keys: Again, it’s always better to have a backup plan and not need it, than to be without one! Look into Uber, Lyft, or carpool with another sober party goer! 

We understand that it can feel like you’re not part of the fun if you’re not partaking in alcohol, but remember, drinking is not the main event. Focus on enjoying time with your friends and family without comprising your health or safety! There is still plenty of fun to be had this holiday season!  

If you or a loved one struggles with an alcohol use disorder, contact us at Cal Recovery Center today to learn more about our programs and how we can help you overcome your struggles with alcohol. 

When someone struggles with a long-term addiction to drugs, effects on their physical and psychological health occur. Depending on the substance and the severity of your addiction, it may be challenging to overcome dependency on substances without the support and guidance of a professional addiction treatment center. Drug detox and withdrawal are complicated, and the symptoms and challenges each person experiences are unique to their addiction. In some cases, withdrawal can lead to potentially dangerous and even fatal side effects. For this reason, it is essential to detox under medical supervision at a professional drug rehab. 

What Are the Signs of Detoxing From Drugs?

When someone is detoxing from drugs, the signs and symptoms will vary. Detox symptoms are typically unique to the person, the type of drug they used, how long they struggled with addiction, and the severity of their use. In addition to substance-specific symptoms, there are various signs of detoxing from drugs that are common across most situations. These include restlessness, aches and pains, difficulties with sleep, appetite changes, irritability, mood, behavior changes, and respiratory problems. Other signs that commonly occur include nausea, vomiting, shakiness, and sweating. Some people experience more severe symptoms that require medical support and supervision during detox. These are hallucinations, seizures, cardiac and respiratory failure, and DTs (delirium tremens). 

Several types of drugs can lead to withdrawal (or detox) symptoms when you stop using or reduce how often you use. Drugs such as antidepressants, barbiturates, cannabis, depressants, hallucinogens, inhalants, opioids, stimulants, and alcohol all lead to a range of withdrawal symptoms which can be mild, moderate, or severe. Often, signs of detox are the opposite of the effects experienced from taking the drug. For example, depressant drugs slow the activities of the central nervous system. When someone drinks, they experience relaxation and a reduction in inhibitions. When they suddenly stop drinking or reduce the amount they drink, symptoms such as anxiety, restlessness, and excitability occur. 

Why You Should Detox From Drugs at a Professional Facility Today

Withdrawal symptoms are a part of detoxing from drugs for someone who enters addiction treatment. Depending on the nature and severity of your addiction, withdrawal can lead to intense and sometimes overwhelming symptoms. In some cases, medical intervention is necessary to ensure safety. When you choose to detox alone, medical help is not available to assist with these symptoms. The duration and severity of withdrawal symptoms will depend on your specific circumstances. Signs of detoxing from drugs may begin in as few as a couple of hours and last for up to ten days. In most cases, the most difficult symptoms appear within the first 48-72 hours. 

Detoxing at a professional facility ensures you will have the support and guidance you need to manage withdrawal symptoms. At a professional detox center, trained medical staff are available to monitor vitals and provide medical and emotional support throughout the most challenging stages of detox. Once detox is complete, it is possible to seamlessly transition into the therapeutic portion of an addiction treatment program. 

Seeking treatment at a professional treatment center is an essential step towards achieving and maintaining lasting health and sobriety. At Cal Recovery Center, we will work with you to ensure all stages of your treatment program focus on helping you achieve your treatment needs and goals. Our treatment plans are based on evidence-based therapy models that focus on addressing your physical, psychological, and spiritual needs to ensure you receive the most comprehensive treatment possible. 

To learn more about Cal Recovery Center and how our addiction treatment programs can help you detox and recover from drug addiction, contact our admissions team today. 

Cocaine has been used for centuries in South America as a natural stimulant. People would chew the leaves of the coca plant to regain energy, especially when hiking, working, or traveling at high elevations. Around 100 years ago, the chemical cocaine hydrochloride was isolated from the properties of the plant. Early in the 20^th century, cocaine was the primary active ingredient in many elixirs and tonics developed to treat a range of illnesses. It was also found in Coca-Cola beverages for a time and used as a surgical anesthetic before researchers formulated safer alternatives. Over time research showed cocaine is actually a highly addictive and dangerous substance that, when used long-term, can have lasting detrimental effects on the user. In 2017, cocaine was linked to one out of every five drug-related overdose deaths in the United States. 

What Is Cocaine?

Cocaine is a stimulant drug. According to the U.S Department of Justice Drug Enforcement Administration, cocaine is a schedule II drug, meaning it has a high potential for abuse and is highly addictive. Cocaine is manufactured by processing the leaves of the coca plant into a fine white powder. 

Can You Get Addicted to Cocaine? 

Yes. Cocaine is a highly addictive drug. For some, experimenting with cocaine only once can lead to problematic use. Depending on how cocaine is introduced to the body, users may feel its effects in as little as a few seconds. As quickly as the effects occur, they begin to wear off. For most, the effects of cocaine diminish within a matter of minutes. This can lead to more frequent and higher doses to maintain a lasting high. Without treatment to overcome dependency, thousands of people lose their lives to cocaine addiction each year. 

Signs of a Cocaine Addiction & How To Get Help

Unlike some addictions, the early signs of cocaine addiction may not be obvious. This is because the initial effects of cocaine use on the body and the brain are mild. However, as use continues and increases, so does the presence of addiction signs and symptoms. It is vital to understand what the early warning signs of cocaine addiction may look like, as early intervention is the most effective way to overcome cocaine. 

It is not necessary to use cocaine for an extended time to experience significant impacts on one’s physical and psychological health. When someone struggles with a cocaine addiction, there may be certain effects that are visible to others. Common examples include: 

• Runny nose or “sniffles”
• Appetite changes
• Dilated pupils
• Paranoia
• Abnormally high energy levels
• Increased happiness or socialization

Most of the above symptoms are short-term, and while they occur immediately after use, they will not last long. In most cases, the high from cocaine wears off in as few as thirty minutes, although it may last a couple of hours for some. Continued cocaine use will lead to harmful and sometimes irreversible effects on the brain and vital organs, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and digestive system. Other common signs of cocaine addiction include chills, confusion, sweating, aggressive or violent outbursts, elevated blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, stroke, seizure, heart attack, coma, and death.  

If you or a loved one struggles with cocaine addiction, it is vital to seek treatment in an environment where you can safely and successfully overcome addiction. At a comprehensive treatment program, you can receive support as you progress through detox and therapy on your journey to recovery. At Cal Recovery Center, our staff works with you to design a comprehensive treatment plan that focuses on your unique treatment needs and goals. If you would like to learn more about how to overcome cocaine addiction at Cal Recovery Center, contact us today.