Drug Information

Ice and Meth

Methamphetamine, Ice, or Crystal meth, has become one if the most commonly used and abused illegal drugs in recent years, causing more problems globally than any other illegal drug. Its popularity is due to availability, affordability and to the extreme euphoric high experienced by users.

Ice releases approximately 1250 units of dopamine, a ‘feel good’ chemical neurotransmitter, into the brain compared to cocaine’s 400. About 200 units are released during sex. This is why ice is one of the most powerful and addictive drugs available. It is also one of the most dangerous, causing damage to brain neurons, which results in a rapid decline in the user’s ability to experience pleasure without it. It also causes a dramatic rise in heart rate, which can lead to heart attack. Drug-induced psychosis is also a very common side effect.

The Most Effective Meth rehab

Methamphetamine addiction is a worldwide problem that affects millions of individuals and their families. It is a growing issue that is devastating and confusing for the person suffering as well as their families and loved ones. More and more people are seeking treatment for ice addiction. It is one of the most common addictions treated at Seasons Bali and we experience great success.

Ice treatment is most effective when delivered in a residential therapeutic community model. The recommended length of stay in primary treatment depends on the length and severity of the addiction but Seasons Bali offers 28, 60 and 90 day meth rehab programs. Aftercare options such as Transitional Housing, Outpatient Programs and ongoing Counselling are also offered as an important part of maintaining ongoing recovery after Ice rehab.

Ice withdrawal

Meth treatment is similar in general to treatment for other drugs, including alcohol, but can require additional psychological support in the early stages, particularly during withdrawal. Most ice users require a short-term medicated withdrawal and a lot of time to sleep initially. Staff closely monitor withdrawal symptoms and our doctor can alter medication regimes accordingly. Withdrawal symptoms are largely psychological rather than physical and users in withdrawal can become easily angered, frustrated and aggressive. Doctors and clinical staff at Seasons Bali are highly trained and experienced in supporting clients through this phase, making the process as safe and comfortable as possible.

Ice treatment

Meth withdrawal is a relatively short process that is just the beginning of meth treatment at residential rehabs like Seasons Bali. Once the addict has completed their withdrawal they are better able to focus on the aspects of the meth rehab program that treats the underlying causes of addiction. These include one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings. Our program equips residents with the ability to create healthy and happy lives and to achieve ongoing, long-term recovery from ice addiction.

Residential treatment programs should be delivered by a team of dedicated professional staff, preferably staff who are in recovery themselves. This means they understand exactly what residents are going through. This fosters an attitude of caring and understanding between staff and residents, creating a therapeutic environment within the program where transformation and growth can safely take place.

MDMA and Ecstasy

MDMA, or ecstasy, is a synthetic psychoactive party drug that causes the user to feel a euphoric peaceful high.  Pure MDMA is usually a powder, whereas ecstasy tablets are created with MDMA as the main ingredient. Because it is manufactured illegally, the remaining ingredients in ecstasy can be any number of impure, sometimes toxic chemicals and fillers. Psychological dependency develops because of the nature of the high, which can be energetic and stimulative yet causes the user to feel relaxed and peaceful with an overwhelming love and empathy towards others. Physical dependency is created when the brain becomes so depleted of serotonin that more and more of the drug is needed to not only make the user feel happy but make them feel just ok. Most users only take these drugs recreationally and infrequently, however others use in an addictive pattern that can include frequent bingeing, concurrent use of large amounts of other drugs and engaging in high risk behaviours as a result of the drug use. Other party drugs include Ketamine and GHB.

MDMA and Ecstasy withdrawal

Withdrawal symptoms will vary in duration and intensity depending on the individual and the severity of the addiction. The main symptoms can include depression, fatigue and irritability. Clinical staff in residential treatment centres will do a comprehensive phone assessment of residents prior to arrival and then medical staff do a thorough assessment on arrival to determine the resident’s detox needs. The doctor may prescribe a tapered regime of prescription medication over a few days to ensure the resident is comfortable and not distressed during their withdrawal period. Detox is performed onsite under very strict conditions and staff monitor withdrawal symptoms closely. Staff are trained and experienced in supporting clients through this phase of Ecstasy rehab.

MDMA rehab and Ecstasy treatment

Addiction treatment in a residential rehab setting like Seasons Bali will take a multifaceted, mind-body-spirit approach that is delivered in a therapeutic community model. Addressing the underlying causes of addiction so that long-term, ongoing recovery is possible.

MDMA treatment programs can be 28, 60 or 90 days in length with ongoing aftercare options available including Outpatients and Transitional Housing.

Prescription Drugs

Many legally prescribed medications are mood and mind altering and are therefore potentially addictive. Prescription medications are some of the most commonly abused drugs and many people seek treatment for this issue. The most addictive and commonly abused prescription medications include:

OpiatesOpiates are usually prescribed for pain management and include drugs such as Codeine, Morphine, Oxycontin (Oxycodone) and Tramadol.

Benzodiazepines. Benzodiazepines include drugs like Valium (Diazepam), Normison (Temazepam), Xanax and Stilnox and are usually prescribed for anxiety and as sleeping pills.

Antipsychotics and mood stabilisers. Seroquel is the most common antipsychotic medication and is used as a psychiatric medication to treat psychosis and/or stabilise moods in conditions such as bipolar disorder.

Many people make the mistake of thinking that prescribed medications are safer than illegal drugs. This may be the case when they are taken only as prescribed by people with no predisposition to addiction. However, when they are abused they can be highly addictive and extremely dangerous, particularly when they are combined with other drugs and alcohol. The main risk is overdose but permanent damage to vital organs is also possible.

Withdrawal from prescription drugs

Prescription drug treatment begins with physical withdrawal. Prescription medications are some of the most difficult substances to withdraw from. Because of their long half-lives and the way that they are stored in the body, withdrawal can last for weeks or months depending on the severity and duration of the addiction. It is a very specific process that requires specialised medical knowledge and clinical expertise.

Doctors and clinical staff in residential treatment rehabs will need to be highly trained and experienced in supporting residents through withdrawal from prescription medication. Making the withdrawal process as comfortable as possible in an ideally peaceful and serene atmosphere.

Withdrawal regimes vary depending on the type of prescription medication the resident is addicted to. The process usually involves a gradual reduction of the medication. Then sometimes another prescription medication is used in the short-term in a tapered dose to control withdrawal symptoms. It is important to openly inform the treatment centre the type and daily amount of prescription medication being taken as well as the amount of time the drug has been taken for doctors and the clinical team to be able to determine the duration of the detox period before the client arrives at.  Prescription drug withdrawal needs to be carried out under strict conditions and the withdrawal being closely monitored with dosages adjusted accordingly.

World-class Prescription Drug Treatment

 Due to extended withdrawal periods, individuals addicted to prescription medication usually require longer in primary care treatment.

This is because the physical withdrawal phase only treats the physical aspect of addiction; it doesn’t treat the underlying causes or the psychological, emotional and spiritual aspects. While someone is physically detoxing they are less able to engage in and absorb the therapeutic activities involved in treatment. We usually recommend a 60 or 90 day stay but this can be discussed with Addiction Specialists.

Residential rehabs like Seasons Bali use a well-established model of substance abuse treatment that has proven successful in restoring the health and wellbeing of addicts and alcoholics for many years.  It includes one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work.

VALIUM

Valium is a potent sedative from the benzodiazepine family and one of the most popularly prescribed medications in the world. It is also one of the most commonly abused prescription medications. It is prescribed as a treatment for anxiety, sleep problems and sometimes muscle pain and muscle spasm. It is also often prescribed in tapered short-term doses to control withdrawal symptoms from alcohol, heroin, ice and other drugs.

Valium depresses the central nervous system causing the user to feel drowsy and calm. It is very addictive and extended use can cause physical dependence whether the person is taking Valium as prescribed or taking more than they are prescribed. Mixing any benzodiazepine with other drugs, particularly alcohol, is very dangerous and can lead to coma or overdose and death.

Valium withdrawal

Like any benzodiazepine withdrawal, Valium withdrawal can be longer than withdrawal from most illegal drugs. The symptoms are physical and psychological and depend on the length and severity of the dependence. Valium withdrawal requires clinical expertise and specialist knowledge as well as ongoing monitoring. In order to manage the symptoms, the individual needs to be weened off the drug gradually rather than stopping suddenly.

Valium treatment that works

Physical withdrawal from Valium is just the beginning of treatment at Valium rehab. Valium rehab consists of a structured combination of therapeutic activities that are proven to be the most effective model for successfully dealing with the underlying causes of addiction and enabling long-term recovery. Some of these activities include one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings. This is ideally delivered in a therapeutic community setting by staff who are mostly all in recovery themselves. This allows a greater understanding and connection between staff and residents, which in turn aids the healing and transformation process for residents as they are working with role models they can immediately relate to.

XANAX (alprazolam)

Xanax is a short acting anti-anxiety prescription medication that is part of the benzodiazepine family. It is most commonly prescribed as a short term treatment for anxiety and panic disorders although it is also sometimes prescribed for insomnia. It is one of the more commonly abused prescription drugs because its potent sedative, relaxant and hypnotic effects are felt quite quickly and intensely. These properties make it highly psychologically addictive and cause physical dependence quite easily. Xanax is one of the more potentially addictive benzos, which means it also has a greater potential for overdose. Taking more than prescribed or mixing any benzodiazepine with other drugs, particularly alcohol, is very dangerous and can lead to coma or overdose and death.

Some people become addicted to Xanax after having it prescribed by a doctor. Many people also buy it illegally without prescription and have never been prescribed it. They may not even suffer from anxiety but just take it for its strong effect.

Xanax withdrawal

Xanax withdrawal requires clinical expertise and specialist knowledge as well as ongoing monitoring as stopping taking Xanax abruptly is very dangerous. In order to manage the symptoms, the individual needs to be weened off the drug gradually. Sometimes a less addictive prescription medication will be prescribed as a short-term measure to manage withdrawal symptoms. This regime is determined after the individual has been thoroughly assessed by a doctor and is closely monitored and adjusted according to symptoms. Doctors and clinical staff at treatment centres like Seasons Bali are highly trained and experienced in supporting clients through Xanax detox, which makes the process as safe and comfortable as possible. The length of the withdrawal period and severity of symptoms depends on how much the individual has been taking and for how long.

Xanax treatment

The most effective model for Xanax treatment is the residential therapeutic community model.  This consists of a specific combination of therapeutic activities such as one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings. The overall goal is to address the underlying causes of the addiction so that ongoing, long-term recovery is possible.

Another feature of the therapeutic community is that the majority of staff are in recovery themselves. Therefore, staff really understand what residents are going through and so their support and advice is well received by clients. This allows residents to feel more at ease and have greater faith in the program and hope for the future because they are being guided by people who have successfully achieved recovery from addiction.

OXICOTIN (oxycodone)

Oxycontin is an opiate prescription medication that is prescribed for physical pain. Being an opiate it is highly physically addictive, causing the user to build up a tolerance quite quickly, particularly when it is being abused. It is also highly psychologically addictive due to its analgesic properties, which cause an extremely relaxing euphoric effect on the user, similar to the high produced by heroin. Some people become addicted to Oxycontin after having it prescribed by a doctor. Many people also buy it illegally without prescription and have never been prescribed it. Many addicts use it in combination with other drugs. This increases the chance of overdose, particularly when mixed with alcohol, benzos or other opiates.

Oxycontin withdrawal

Like treatment for any addiction, it must start with the physical withdrawal from the substance. Only then can treatment go deeper to address the underlying causes of the addiction. That is why ideally treatment will focus on the mind and spirit as well as the body, being holistic, treating the whole person. Addiction affects the individual on all levels – physical, emotional, psychological, social and spiritual – so treatment must be multi-faceted in order to treat all these aspects.

The treatment centres doctor will perform a thorough medical assessment on arrival to determine each resident’s detox needs. Addicts will need to be constantly monitored during this withdrawal phase to ensure their changing symptoms are successfully managed by medical and clinical staff.

Oxycontin detox usually consists of a tapered medicated withdrawal regime. The type of medication and duration of the withdrawal period depends on the amount the resident is physically dependent on when they arrive. This also determines the duration of the detox and the severity of the withdrawal symptoms.

VICODIN (hydrocodone and paracetamol)

Vicodin is a prescription medication from the opiate family and is prescribed for physical pain. Just like other legal and illegal opiates, Vicodin is highly addictive both physically and psychologically. Its mellow euphoric high is very similar to the high from heroin, causing it to be frequently abused. Some people become addicted to Vicodin after having it prescribed by a doctor. Many people also buy it illegally without prescription and have never had it prescribed to them. Many addicts use it in combination with other drugs. This increases the chance of overdose, particularly when mixed with alcohol, benzos or other opiates.

Vicodin withdrawal

As one of the most frequently abused prescription opiates, many people seek treatment for Vicodin addiction. Physical withdrawal is the first stage of treatment. All residents have a phone assessment before they arrive and a medical assessment with our doctor on arrival to determine and finalise their detox needs. Vicodin detox usually consists of a medicated withdrawal regime that is tapered down slowly over a number of days. The type of medication and length of the withdrawal period really depends on the amount the resident has been addicted to. Residents are constantly monitored during this phase to ensure that any changing symptoms are effectively managed by staff.

HEROIN

Heroin is an illegal opiate and, like all opiates, is a very effective painkiller. It is also highly addictive and produces a mellow euphoric high that makes the user feel drowsy as opposed to the energetic euphoric high produced by stimulants. If the user takes too much they can overdose relatively easily as heroin depresses heart and lung function.

Although methamphetamine seems to have taken over from heroin in terms of the illegal drug of choice of most addicts, heroin addiction is still common.

In an effort to get off heroin some users also end up addicted to substitution therapies such as Suboxone and Methadone. Most treatment centres like Seasons Bali can also treat people addicted to this class of drug. Ideally medical and clinical staff at residential treatment centres will have years of collective experience and training in this specialised area of drug and alcohol treatment.

Heroin Withdrawal

Heroin treatment begins with withdrawal, which addresses the physical aspect of addiction. Addiction specialist will gather information about the client’s pattern of use before they arrive in a residential program, once they arrive experienced medical staff will conduct a comprehensive medical examination and assessment to determine the specific detox needs of each client.

Heroin detox usually consists of a tapered medicated withdrawal regime. The type of medication and duration of the withdrawal period depends on the amount the resident is physically dependent on when they arrive. Clients are constantly monitored during this withdrawal phase to ensure their changing symptoms are successfully managed by medical and clinical staff.

The Most Effective Heroin rehab

The therapeutic community model is widely considered to be the most effective Heroin treatment. This is a residential model that includes a specific combination of therapeutic activities such as one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings. The recommended length of stay for primary treatment at treatment centres like Seasons Bali and most drug and alcohol rehabs is 90 days.

All aspects of the heroin rehab program at Seasons Bali are based on extensive research into the most successful methods to ensure recovery as well as many years of experience. Seasons Bali’s Founder and Clinical Director has decades of experience providing heroin treatment to individuals suffering from this condition and has run a successful drug and alcohol rehab in Melbourne for over 15 years. Seasons Bali follows the same proven treatment method and has an absolute commitment to enable clients to achieve their full potential. This includes dealing with the underlying causes and consequences of the addiction and providing continuing rehabilitative support in an environment of respect, dignity and support.

MARIJUANA

Often thought of as a ‘soft’ drug, marijuana can be far from it. Contrary to popular belief marijuana is both physically and psychologically addictive and has a significant impact on short and long term brain chemistry. There are strong links between marijuana use and mental health issues such as psychosis, anxiety, depression and schizophrenia. It is also one of the most commonly used illicit drugs.

Marijuana withdrawal

Marijuana withdrawal depends heavily on the severity of the addiction and the strength of marijuana being used, which can vary considerably. Withdrawal symptoms can be physical and psychological, also because of the way marijuana is stored in the body can last anywhere from days and weeks to months. THC, the active ingredient in marijuana, is stored in the fat cells of the body, which take much longer to release toxins than other cells.

After a comprehensive medical assessment marijuana withdrawal is usually managed with a tapered medication regime. Symptoms are closely monitored by a treatment centres clinical team and doctors allowing for dosages to be altered accordingly.

Marijuana treatment

A Marijuana rehab program at treatment centres like Seasons Bali will use a well-established model of substance abuse treatment that has proven success in restoring the health and wellbeing of addicts for many. The program will be thorough and multifaceted, dealing with the physical, mental, emotional, spiritual and social aspects of the individual and their problem.

Founded by the same addiction treatment specialist, Seasons Bali is affiliated with the Raymond Hader Clinic in Melbourne, which has long been one of Australia’s leading addiction treatment centres.  Seasons Bali uses the same world class model of substance abuse treatment that treats the underlying causes of alcoholism and drug addiction.

Effective residential rehab programs are structured and supervised, including one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings.

Highly experienced and understanding staff

A Marijuana rehab program will be delivered by a team of dedicated professional staff, most of who are in recovery themselves. This means they understand exactly what residents are going through. This fosters an attitude of caring and understanding between staff and residents, creating a therapeutic environment within the treatment centre where transformation and growth can safely take place.

COCAINE

Cocaine is a powerful stimulant that directly affects the central nervous system and floods the brain with dopamine, causing a short-term, euphoric high. Due to the nature of the intense and energetic high and the tolerance built up through changes in brain chemistry, it can be highly addictive.

On its own cocaine creates rises in blood pressure and heart rate that can result in heart attack. It is more dangerous when it’s combined with other drugs, including alcohol. Combining it with heroin can be particularly fatal with a high risk of overdose.

Although its high cost compared to other illicit drugs make it unaffordable for some, it can be transformed quite easily into ‘crack’ or ‘crack cocaine’, which is much cheaper, more addictive and more intense. Crack has always been a much bigger problem in the USA compared to Australia, as has cocaine, due to the proximity to South America, where the coca plant it is derived from is native.

Cocaine Withdrawal

Like with all drugs, cocaine withdrawal is specific to cocaine and symptoms vary in duration and severity depending on the user and their pattern of use. Symptoms of cocaine withdrawal are usually more psychologically uncomfortable than physical and often require a tapered dose of prescription medication over a period of days. This will depend on the individual and symptoms need always be monitored by a clinical and medical team and treated accordingly.

Addiction Recovery believe that appropriate and accurate assessment is the basis for providing successful withdrawal and treatment services. Therefore, assessment and collection of information from the addict before they arrive and then on their arrival in imperative. A doctor should perform a comprehensive medical assessment to determine a suitable withdrawal regime. The clinical team will be highly experienced in providing safe and effective cocaine detox and cocaine treatment programs.

Primary treatment at cocaine rehab follows the same basic treatment model as programs at residential treatment centres like Seasons Bali but with additional psychological support where needed. A multi-disciplinary approach which includes a range of clinical therapies and therapeutic activities. By addressing the underlying causes of addiction the goal of treatment is ongoing, long-term recovery.

The recommended length of stay for primary treatment is 90 days, although most treatment centres offer 28 day and 60 day stays. Aftercare options such as Transitional Housing, Outpatient Programs and ongoing Counselling are also offered as an important part of maintaining ongoing recovery after cocaine treatment.

ALCOHOL

Alcohol is classed as a depressant, meaning that it slows down vital functions—resulting in slurred speech, unsteady movement, disturbed perceptions and an inability to react quickly.

As for how it affects the mind, it is best understood as a drug that reduces a person’s ability to think rationally, disinhibits and distorts his or her judgment.

Although classified as a depressant, the amount of alcohol consumed determines the type of effect. Most people drink for the stimulant effect, such as a beer or glass of wine taken to “loosen up.” But if a person consumes more than the body can handle, they then experience alcohol’s depressant effect. They start to feel a loss of coordination and control.

Alcohol over use causes even more severe depressant effects (inability to feel pain, toxicity where the body vomits the poison, and finally unconsciousness or, worse, coma or death from severe toxic overdose). These reactions depend on how much is consumed and how quickly.

There are different kinds of alcohol. Ethyl alcohol (ethanol), the only alcohol used in beverages, is produced by the fermentation of grains and fruits. Fermenting is a chemical process whereby yeast acts upon certain ingredients in the food, creating alcohol.

Alcohol is a drug!

Alcohol Addiction

Addiction to alcohol or alcohol use disorder is generally referred to as Alcoholism. As alcohol is a legal substance in many cultures and considered socially acceptable, it can be difficult to ascertain if someone is an alcoholic before the consequences of alcoholism become extreme.

“In a medical context, alcoholism is said to exist when two or more of the following conditions are present: a person drinks large amounts of alcohol over a long time period, has difficulty cutting down, acquiring and drinking alcohol takes up a great deal of time, alcohol is strongly desired, usage results in not fulfilling responsibilities, usage results in social problems, usage results in health problems, usage results in risky situations, withdrawal occurs when stopping, and alcohol tolerance has occurred with use. Alcohol use can affect all parts of the body, but it immune system. Alcoholism can result mental illness, delirium tremens (DT’s), Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, irregular heartbeat, impaired immune response, liver disease such as cirrhosis and cancer. Drinking during pregnancy can result in fetal alcohol spectrum disorders. Women are generally more sensitive than men to the harmful effects of alcohol, primarily due to their smaller body weight, lower capacity to metabolize alcohol, and higher proportion of body fat. In a small number of individuals, prolonged, severe alcohol abuse ultimately leads to dementia.” 

Alcohol Withdrawal

Alcohol treatment begins with withdrawal, which addresses the physical aspect of addiction. Addiction specialist will gather information about the client’s pattern of use before they arrive in a residential program, once they arrive experienced medical staff will conduct a comprehensive medical examination and assessment to determine the specific detox needs of each client.

Alcohol detox usually consists of a tapered medicated withdrawal regime, to prevent the serious adverse symptoms of alcohol withdrawal such as seizures and delirium tremens (DT’s). The duration of the withdrawal period depends on the amount the individual is physically dependent on alcohol when they commence withdrawal. Individuals should be constantly monitored during this withdrawal phase to ensure their changing symptoms are successfully managed by medical and clinical staff.

The most effective Alcohol rehab

 The therapeutic community model is widely considered to be the most effective Alcohol treatment. This is a residential model that includes a specific combination of therapeutic activities such as one-on-one counselling, process group work, educational groups and relapse prevention work as well as exercise, recreation, massage, art therapy and daily outings. The recommended length of stay for primary treatment at treatment centres like Seasons Bali and most drug and alcohol rehabs is 90 days.

All aspects of the alcohol rehab program at Seasons Bali are based on extensive research into the most successful methods to ensure recovery as well as many years of experience. Seasons Bali’s Founder and Clinical Director has decades of experience providing heroin treatment to individuals suffering from this condition and has run a successful drug and alcohol rehab in Melbourne for over 15 years. Seasons Bali follows the same proven treatment method and has an absolute commitment to enable clients to achieve their full potential. This includes dealing with the underlying causes and consequences of the addiction and providing continuing rehabilitative support in an environment of respect, dignity and support.

All work conducted by Seasons Bali is carried out in the strictest of confidence and conforms to all current privacy legislation. None of the information on this site is intended as medical advice

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