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Continue readingCan Cocaine Make You a Better Athlete or Worker?
Cocaine is a highly addictive stimulant drug widely known for its recreational use. It is not uncommon for people to believe that this drug can enhance their performance and make them better athletes or workers. This belief has led to an unfortunate trend of some individuals using cocaine as a means to improve their productivity and gain a competitive edge.
But is there any truth to this belief and can cocaine make you a better athlete or worker? Are there side effects of cocaine use? In this blog, we will explore the facts about cocaine, its effects and discuss its implications and dangers.
What is Cocaine?
Cocaine is known as a highly addictive stimulant drug that is dispersed worldwide. In fact, the National Institute for Drug Addiction Statistics places cocaine it as the second-most trafficked illegal substance consumed globally. However, it also carries a high risk of addiction and a range of negative health consequences. Cocaine has been designated by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as a Schedule II drug in the United States because of its high potential for misuse and addiction.
According to the most recent statistics, there are approximately 24,486 people died from an overdose involving cocaine. This stimulant poses a significant threat to the life of the users, particularly to athletes and workers.
How does Cocaine affect the Brain and Body?
Several articles, such as Medical News, explain the detrimental effects of cocaine on a person’s performance and health. Most noted that cocaine could increase heart rate and blood pressure, putting athletes at risk of heart attack, stroke, and sudden death. Also, the drug can cause mood swings, aggression, and impaired judgment, negatively impacting a person’s ability to compete at their best.
Additionally, American Addiction Centers (ACA) notes that cocaine abuse over an extended period can result in numerous bodily issues. It is occasionally possible to undo the harm that cocaine consumption has done to the body, but repeated abuse over time may have irreparable consequences on health. Also, treating chronic conditions results in a lifetime of medical issues, hospital and doctor appointments, and financial burdens.
Given the facts about this stimulant, why do some athletes and workers still use it? Now, we will give clarity to the contentious topic of cocaine.
Can Cocaine make you a better Athlete or Worker?
The answer is no. Cocaine cannot make you a better athlete or worker. In fact, using the drug can seriously negatively affect your health and ability to perform. It can temporarily increase your energy, focus, and confidence. But many short-term and long-term effects of cocaine can harm your body and even threaten your life. It can also lead to addiction, further undermining physical and mental health and interfering with work and athletic goals.
Negative effects of Cocaine on Athletic Performance
Cocaine is one of the stimulant drugs that increase energy and alertness. Unfortunately, using this drug can harm an athlete’s health and career in sports. These may include:
Physical Effects: Numerous physical effects are harmful to the body, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure, which can reduce endurance and impair performance. It can also cause dehydration which can lead to fatigue and cramping. It can also disrupt sleep, which is essential for athletic recovery and performance.
Mental Health effects: Cocaine can harm an athlete’s mental health, including anxiety, paranoia, and mood swings, which can interfere with concentration and focus during competition.
Effect on Career: It is important to note that the use of Cocaine is prohibited by the World-Anti Doping Agency (WADA). Athletes who are caught using drugs can face serious consequences, including suspension, disqualification, loss of sponsorship, damage to their reputation, and even legal consequences. The use of the drug violates the ethical principles of fair play and sportsmanship, as well as the rules and regulations of most sports organizations.
Negative effects of Cocaine on Working Professionals
Similarly, some workers may use Cocaine to improve their performance at work, but the risk and dangers of using it in the workplace are consequential. In terms of performance, the use of this drug can have an impact on an individual’s ability to function effectively. Some effects can lead to several problems in the workplace, including:
1. Decreased productivity and work quality
2. Missed deadlines and poor time management
3. Increased absenteeism and tardiness
4. Accidents or injuries due to impaired judgment
5. Conflict with colleagues and superiors
6. Loss of employment due to a drug test or poor performance
7. Impaired judgment, decreased concentration, and increased risk-taking behavior.
Healthy Ways to Improve Your Athletic and Work Performance
There are healthy and legal ways to improve your athletic and work performance. This can be achieved through regular exercise, healthy eating, adequate rest, a good self-care strategy, and seeking professional help if underlying mental health issues are affecting performance. Seeking treatment for cocaine addiction is essential to manage and overcome the problem effectively. Some benefits include improving your physical and mental health and having better relationships with family, friends, and loved ones, which can help reduce relapse.
Using drugs in sports and workplaces is strictly prohibited and carries significant risks to individuals and those around them. Therefore, athletes and workers need to understand the dangers of this stimulant and seek appropriate help if they struggle with addiction or other drug-related issues. It is always best to avoid using drugs and instead focus on healthy habits and training.
Seek Professional Help with California Recovery Center
Seeking help is not shameful, taking the first step toward recovery can be life-changing. If you or someone you know is struggling with cocaine addiction or any other drug, it is important to seek professional help as soon as possible. California Recovery Center is a reputable treatment facility offering evidence-based addiction recovery approaches, including detox, therapy, and ongoing support. Learn more by reaching out to us at (866) 864-1986.
Self-care in Recovery from Substance Use Disorder
Many people think that self-care means taking a bubble bath, getting a massage, or going for a vacation and pampering themselves with a luxurious experience. Some thought that self-care activities would break their banks. Contrary to this, self-care does not require spending much money, as it can be done in simple ways. To answer the question that people are often confused about, what is self-care and why is it essential in the recovery process of substance use disorder?
Here, we’ll discuss how crucial it is to practice self-care in recovery from substance use disorder and give some practical self-care strategies that will be helpful to the process of getting better.
What does self-care mean?
Self-care as defined by the World Health Organization (WHO), is a means of taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical health and mental health.
Self-care is a process. It involves different activities such as eating healthy, exercising regularly, going to spa sessions, meditating, etc. It also includes spending time with family members and friends in order to create a positive environment around you so that you can get rid of all negative thoughts and emotions which are associated with substance use disorder and help you stay away from any relapse.
How does self-care affect recovery from substance use disorder?
For individuals with a history of substance abuse, self-care becomes even more critical. Substance abuse often leads to feelings of guilt, shame, and low self-esteem, making it even more challenging to care for oneself. However, research also proposes that self-care encourages favorable health outcomes like building resilience, increasing self-awareness, living longer, having better stress management skills, and reducing the risk of recurrence. With self-care, you nurture your mental and physical health so that you reduce your chances of turning to drugs or alcohol to cope.
It’s easy to think of self-care as a luxury. It’s not—it’s absolutely a necessity
In fact, studies have shown that people who engage in regular self-care are more likely to stick with their recovery programs and stay sober for longer periods of time. That’s why rehab facilities often encourage their patients to find ways to take care of themselves during treatment.
If you are worried that practicing self-care will break the bank, then it’s time to reverse the old perceptions. Here are some practical tips on taking a time off without spending a dime and prioritizing yourself:
- Break off from a disruptive lifestyle
- Halt activities that stress you,
- Learn to say no to people that might make your recovery more difficult.
- Get enough sleep and rest
- Eat healthy food with balanced nutrition
- Exercise regularly, whether just walking, consistently jogging, or going to a gym
- Avoid anything that might trigger cravings for drugs or alcohol, such as parties that involves binge drinking.
- Set aside time for relaxation—whether that’s reading a book or meditating
- Catching up with friends every week
- Being open to talking about your problems or struggles.
When you’re feeling good about yourself, you’re more likely to be able to reach out for help when you need it and accept help when it is offered. You’ll also have the energy necessary to stay on track with treatment goals like staying sober or abstaining from drugs and alcohol.
How do you make time for self-care?
There are so many things competing for your attention: your job, your family, your friends… what about yourself?
It can seem overwhelming at first. But it’s really just about making small changes. Here are some self-care ideas that can help you manage your time for yourself without compromising your activities:
1) Take some time every day to recharge on your own—even if it’s only a couple of minutes at first! Set the alarm on your phone and sit quietly by yourself (maybe with a cup of tea). Or go outside and breathe deeply while looking up at the sky or listening to birds chirping. You might even want to try meditating or doing yoga! Just give yourself permission to take this time for yourself—you deserve it!
2) Schedule some fun activities into your week or month ahead of time—things like going out. It is better to plan ahead so that your primary commitments won’t be compromised. Also, scheduling your activities can give you a detailed plan ahead and time to prepare. It is also a way of rewarding yourself with a break from the busy hustle of life.
3) Having someone to accompany or remind you of your scheduled activities is a great help. You can lean on people you trust and spend time with them.
4) Allow yourself to dive into the process of self-care. It doesn’t happen all at once, but a consistent effort to do it. Give yourself time to go through the long-term experience of self-care and not hurry up.
So why is self-care important?
Individuals with substance use disorder tend to neglect themselves and do things that can harm them, and often neglect the importance of self-care. When recovering from substance use disorder, it can be hard to remember how to take care of yourself. You may not feel like you deserve it, or you may be so focused on getting better that you don’t have time to think about your own needs. But taking time off and practicing self-care in recovery from substance use disorder is crucial if you want to get better and stay sober
In order to be able to function and thrive, you need to take some time for yourself. You need to nourish your body and mind so that you can make better decisions, have more energy, and feel more confident about yourself in every area of your life.
Practice self-care with California Recovery Center
Make a habit of incorporating self-care into your lifestyle and be kind to yourself. Individuals may interpret and practice this according to their preferences and need, which is why it is important to be more attuned to yourself. You may not be struggling with addiction, but if you know someone that needs treatment, reach out to us. At California Recovery Center, we integrate self-care into our program for a comprehensive journey to recovery. Learn more by reaching out to us at (866) 864-1986.
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Tips for Enjoying Halloween During Recovery from Substance Abuse
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.
Recovery at Home with California Recovery Center
Why is recovery at home important? For most, recovery begins when you decide that you’re ready. This decision can come about in a number of ways, but when that choice has been reached, you’ll begin looking at options to help you on the path to recovery. However, sometimes even when you decide you’re ready to begin your substance abuse recovery, the timing may not feel right.
Many of us hold jobs we can’t simply walk away from for a month or more. Some are caretakers of children, parents, or elderly relatives who need us to remain at home. Whatever the reason may be, sometimes we are not able to take the time for ourselves to enter an inpatient program at a recovery center.
This is where one of California Recovery Center’s newly introduced outpatient programs can come in and help with recovery at home. Our founder and the team realize that the road to recovery is different for everyone, and no one should have to put their goals on hold because of a busy schedule. This is why our certified healthcare specialists have put together a new series of programs to serve those who can’t join us at our Roseville, California location.
Now, you can recover remotely with CRC by enrolling in one of our outpatient programs. You no longer need to choose between your work and family time and recovery; now, you can have both simultaneously! Our programs allow you to maintain your daily schedule while receiving treatment.
Depending on which program you select, you’ll join us onsite for 1-3 hours per week and remain at home the rest of the week, allowing you to continue your normal life. You will still receive access to 24/7 support from our healthcare technicians without staying onsite.
California Recovery Center’s goal is to expand our reach to as many people as possible. Now we’re able to serve individuals within our Roseville and Greater Sacramento communities, as well as those outside of CRC’s surrounding area. We’re excited for you to grow with us!
Benefits of Outpatient Rehab Programs
When choosing a recovery program, it is important to find one that suits your specific needs. Not all programs are the same and some can vary greatly from a center. Now, there are programs that offer a new option for patients outside of traditional inpatient treatment. Outpatient recovery programs offer different benefits and can serve those who wouldn’t be able to attend an inpatient program.
Being able to receive treatment without disrupting a patient’s work life or time with their family makes it easier for more people to take that first step in improving their lives. Our goal at California Recovery Center is to make recovery possible for everyone ready to start that journey and we are happy to now offer outpatient programs as part of our services.
Benefits of Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
There are numerous benefits to going through recovery in an outpatient program. Some major benefits include:
Flexibility
Outpatient programs allow patients to receive the care they need while maintaining their daily lives. Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are more flexible and can fit into patients’ schedules, which is ideal for working professionals.
Remote
Some IOPs are completely remote, which allows patients to recover from home. This makes treatment more accessible to those who would otherwise not be able to commute to a treatment center.
Affordability
IOPs and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) tend to be less expensive than traditional inpatient programs.
Comfort
Patients are able to remain home during treatment, allowing patients to go through difficult portions of recovery in a familiar and comforting environment.
Recovery with Flexibility
Unlike traditional inpatient programs, outpatient programs have a lot more flexibility depending on which program you choose. Some require patients to come onsite for therapy sessions 4-5 times a week, while some are entirely remote through telehealth services. The primary goal is to help those with demanding schedules meet their recovery goals, whatever that may look like.
Finding Outpatient Recovery Programs
At California Recovery Center we offer various levels of care in outpatient programs to best serve our patients. We believe in finding the right program for each individual to fit into their specific schedules. If you’re ready to learn more about the outpatient programs, or one of the many other programs we offer at our recovery center, call us today.