CB Healthcares https://www.cbhealthcares.com Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:59:52 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.3 Bella Hadid offers invaluable advice on mental health issues through social media post https://www.cbhealthcares.com/bella-hadid-offers-invaluable-advice-on-mental-health-issues-through-social-media-post/ Tue, 23 Nov 2021 09:59:52 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=333 Bella Hadid has always been vocal about her mental health struggle and the way she deals with her anxiety and depression. However, on a recent Instagram post, the supermodel opened up even more and posted candid pictures, including a crying selfie, along with a powerful message while responding to Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith. ...

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Bella Hadid has always been vocal about her mental health struggle and the way she deals with her anxiety and depression. However, on a recent Instagram post, the supermodel opened up even more and posted candid pictures, including a crying selfie, along with a powerful message while responding to Willow Smith, daughter of Will Smith. 

 

“I love you and your words,” writes Hadid, who has 47 million followers on Instagram. “It made me feel a little less alone and that’s why I’d like to post this.”

 

Hadid also said that social media is not real and people have to endure any struggle all by themselves. “For anyone struggling, please remember that. Sometimes all you’ve gotta hear is that you’re not alone. So from me to you, you’re not alone. I love you, I see you, and I hear you.”

 

As per the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, anxiety disorders are among the most common behavioral health issues in the U.S., plaguing 40 million adults aged 18 and above. With the onset of the pandemic, the picture has turned grimmer, with the CDC reporting the percentage of adults facing symptoms of anxiety or depression shot up from 36.4% to 41.5% (from August 2020 to February 2021).

 

Mental health struggle is an ongoing battle, says Bella Hadid

 

This is not the first time Hadid has talked about her mental health struggle. In an interview in 2018, she told a magazine she suffered from “serious depression”—a fallout of being bullied as a child for her “weird” face. 

 

Even in an earlier Instagram post in 2019 (on the occasion of Mental Health Awareness Day), Hadid said that social media is not always what people see on seemingly happy posts. There is sadness hidden, and the happiness created online is all façade. “The happiness we create online while being sad in real life makes no sense, but sometimes it just seems easier to live within your sadness rather than talk about it,” she wrote. 

 

In her latest post, Hadid mentioned about mental health issues and said that no two battles are the same as it is an ongoing struggle. The popular super model mentioned that the tirade against mental health or the chemical imbalance is almost like a rollercoaster ride of hurdles for everyone. But, she also said that there is hope and always light at the end of the tunnel. Hadid says that the emotions of sadness and helplessness ebb and flow by nature. “Even if it’s a few days, weeks, or months, it does get better.”

 

Through her post, Hadid conveyed some important and pertinent messages to her fans, especially those dealing with mental health issues. She took a long time to come to grips as far as her inner struggle with emotional health is concerned. It was only through much burnout and too many breakdowns Hadid could realize her problem and how to deal with it. “If you work hard enough on yourself, spending time alone to understand your traumas, triggers, joys, and routine, you will always be able to understand or learn more about your pain and how to handle it which is all that you can ask of yourself,” she said. 

 

Hadid brought to the fore another very important aspect and connection between mental health issues and chronic illness. She once told in 2016 that she suffers from Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness with symptoms, including fatigue and muscle pain. This disorder can severely affect a patient’s quality of life. Depression is one such outcome of a chronic illness. According to estimates, up to one-third of people with any serious and chronic illness have symptoms of depression. 

 

Mental health does not discriminate

 

Hadid’s confession about her mental health struggle belies the impression that people have of celebrities. Considered privileged, even celebrities are not immune to mental health problems. It points towards the most crucial factor about mental health, which is raising awareness about its pervasiveness. There shouldn’t be any stigma around mental health. Stigma has been the single-most destructing antitheses when it comes to seeking help for mental health problems.

 

The Instagram post by Hadid, which created quite a furor, raised hope for millions of people by highlighting that there are avenues and resources to cope with mental health issues. It is not the end of the road for people dealing with mental health problems. 

 

Seeking help

 

The most radical step to deal with any mental health issue is to seek immediate help from professionals. So, if you or a loved one is grappling with any behavioral health problem, reach out to us at California Behavioral Health. 

 

We, at California Behavioral Health, provide tailor-made intervention programs after accessing a patient’s condition. You can also avail of our partial hospitalization programs in California that have benefitted so many people so far. Our California PHP rehab center is a sought-after institution for people seeking mental health treatment. 

 

For further information, call us now on our 24/7 helpline number 866-225-6101 and get immediate assistance. 

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Teens vaping marijuana surge in last 7 years with harmful effects, says study https://www.cbhealthcares.com/teens-vaping-marijuana-surge-in-last-7-years-with-harmful-effects-says-study/ Tue, 16 Nov 2021 05:23:25 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=331 According to a study, published by JAMA Pediatrics, young school-aged children vaping marijuana has doubled in the last seven years (2013-2020) with some alarming effects. The survey, conducted in the United States and Canada, involved nearly 200,000 adolescents, who reported cannabis vaping in the last one month.    The study revealed that teens in their...

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According to a study, published by JAMA Pediatrics, young school-aged children vaping marijuana has doubled in the last seven years (2013-2020) with some alarming effects. The survey, conducted in the United States and Canada, involved nearly 200,000 adolescents, who reported cannabis vaping in the last one month. 

 

The study revealed that teens in their senior year are more likely to vape marijuana as compared to younger adolescents. One in three Grade-12 students vaped marijuana as reported in 2018.

 

Another study showed that teens preferred vaping marijuana extracts rather than the dried herbs to get the high they prefer from THC (tetrahydrocannabinol)—the main psychoactive compound found in weed. THC is responsible for providing the ‘high’ for which people use cannabis. 

 

As per the National Institute on Drug Abuse, or NIDA, today’s high is much more acute than before. Marijuana strains have become more potent today than they used to be. Today’s weed strains contain 15% THC whereas in the 1990s it was merely 4%. So, it is even more dangerous for young children to use cannabis than earlier. 

 

Moreover, using marijuana is associated with poor cognitive development in adolescents along with a high probability of dependence on the substance. It could lead to other substance abuse, many health problems, and behavioral health issues later in life. 

 

Effects of weed on teen brains

 

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) warns that the use of cannabis (whatever form it may be) poses a threat to adolescent brains as it acts differently.

 

It can have severe and permanent repercussions on teen brains. “The teen brain is actively developing and often will not be fully developed until the mid-20s,” the CDC mentioned. Using cannabis during this time can have permanent effects such as—poor coordination, impaired learning, memory, problem-solving skills, and ability to hold one’s attention. 

 

The CDC also said that children using weed are likely to have poor performance in school and with a high probability of dropping out. Usage of cannabis is “linked to a range of mental health problems in teens such as depression or anxiety,” even psychosis, added CDC.

 

Teens and young adults using weed in heavy doses may suffer from mood disorders, depression, and bipolar disorder. All these are linked to self-harm, suicide attempts, and in extreme cases even death, says a study published in January 2021. 

 

The chances of getting dependent are also very high as one in six teens using marijuana regularly gets hooked to it, says the CDC. When a person (dependent on weed) tries to relinquish the substance encounters a host of withdrawal symptoms. They feel food cravings or a lack of appetite, irritability, restlessness, and mood and sleep disorder after quitting. This is called cannabis use disorder. This is now a rising problem, especially in those who started using as teenagers.

 

According to NIDA, “People who begin using marijuana before the age of 18 are four to seven times more likely to develop a marijuana use disorder than adults.” 

 

Vaping cannabis is worse than vaping nicotine

 

Research suggests that teens vaping weed are more likely to report problems of the chest than those who smoked cigarettes or e-cigarettes. 

 

Experts say that smoking cigarettes and e-cigarettes are unhealthy and not good for the lungs, but vaping marijuana is even worse. There is a trend that teens who vape nicotine also vape marijuana. They urge parents to take vaping as ominous as using drugs or alcohol. 

 

Vaping marijuana is also linked to a dangerous and newly identified lung disease called EVALI. Most of the vaping products the young people use contain THC, the harmful psychoactive compound in marijuana.

 

The CDC reports, 84 percent of the EVALI cases are associated with cannabis-containing products. What rings the alarm is the 68 deaths from EVALI confirmed as of February 2020, in 29 states and the District of Columbia. 

 

The CDC believes EVALI may be caused due to addition of vitamin E acetate to vaping products— it is a sticky oil substance used to either thicken or dilute the oil in cartridges.

 

Precautions parents can take

 

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry suggests that parents should look out for suspicious behavior in their kids that may indicate using cannabis. If a child has red eyes and is “getting the munchies”, then these are tell-tale signs of marijuana abuse. They may also show signs of irritability, moodiness, forgetfulness, and acting “silly or out of character”. Teens may also include certain words in their conversation like sparking up,” “420,” “dabbing” and “shatter”.

 

Parents should search for vaping paraphernalia in their kids’ rooms. The discreet packaging of vaping products makes it difficult for parents to identify them at times.

 

Seek help

 

The best way to deal with any substance abuse problem is to seek early intervention. So, if you or a loved one is grappling with a substance abuse disorder, California Behavioral Healthcare can offer you the right help. 

 

Our sub-acute detox programs can take you on your path towards sobriety. We offer the best sub-acute detox program in California with a 100 percent success rate in our patients. For further information, call us now on our 24/7 dedicated helpline number 866-225-6101 and get immediate assistance. 

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Tips to help you stay away from alcohol https://www.cbhealthcares.com/tips-to-help-you-stay-away-from-alcohol/ Sun, 31 Oct 2021 08:07:02 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=327 Alcohol is widely used in our society and many of our activities are drenched with it, ranging from celebration to any other function. Hence, there is always a chance to swerve towards alcoholism for all of us. Drinking on a regular basis can surely lead to dependence, giving way to a lot of other troubles...

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Alcohol is widely used in our society and many of our activities are drenched with it, ranging from celebration to any other function. Hence, there is always a chance to swerve towards alcoholism for all of us.

Drinking on a regular basis can surely lead to dependence, giving way to a lot of other troubles associated with alcoholism. Even though people say that they believe in moderation and it is the best way to consume alcohol, it can also lead to alcoholism. Getting hooked to alcohol or becoming an alcoholic poses a big health threat to them and the people around.

However, there is a silver lining, with ways to deal with alcohol abuse that can save lives. Apart from seeking treatment when you see the slightest sign of becoming dependent on alcohol, there are also steps to undertake to thwart alcoholism.

Some helpful and proven tips to stay away from alcohol abuse are as follows:

Never stock alcohol at home: Stocking up the refrigerator with bottles of alcohol is a sure-shot way to become an alcoholic. When it is not readily available it is harder to drink as one needs to go out and arrange for it, which acts as a deterrent. On the other hand, when there are attractive bottles of alcohol stacked in the refrigerator, they lure you to sip one glass every time you open the door to take out something else. Being easily accessible, you will look for the slightest pretext to make one glass for you or when friends come over.

Don’t drink when you are emotional: Hitting the bottle when one is low or in an emotional state is a dangerous habit as it can soon turn into a heavy drinking pattern. The brain will act in such a loop that there will be more and more occasions to drink. Hence, one shouldn’t drink when emotional or use alcohol as an alibi to pacify disturbing thoughts. Rather one should look for other healthy methods to deal with negative thoughts.

Avoid trips to the bars: Visiting bars, even though you think they are infrequent, slowly develops into a habit. You will feel like rushing to the nearest bar whenever an unpleasant situation crops up. It will definitely lead to alcoholism and other problems.

Stop binge drinking: Going on benders during the weekend is very harmful as it is extremely habit-building. Binge drinking not only poses immediate threats to drinkers, but also forms a habit of drinking on a regular basis, a precursor to becoming an alcoholic. So, never indulge in binge drinking whatever the occasion may be and stay from alcoholism.

Shun people who are drinkers: Never hang out with alcoholics or are into the habit of drinking regularly. You will surely drift towards alcoholism when you spend a greater amount of time in the company of such people. It is in no way disparaging them or looking down upon them, even they need to address this issue in their lives. If you avoid people who are heavy drinkers you will certainly be at a safe zone. Friends and acquaintances have a silent influence on us and before we realize we begin to emulate their habits and traits. Drinking is one of them.

Know when you have a drinking problem:

The first step towards leading a sober life is to realize whether you have a drinking problem and take necessary steps or seek help.

An individual has a drinking problem when he or she:—

  • Drinks to relieve stress
  • Drinks alone
  • Looks forward to drinking and arrange for a schedule to drink
  • Drinks as a respite from boredom or loneliness
  • Does unsafe things occasionally such as drinking and driving
  • Faces sleeping problems after drinking
  • Drinks in social situations to fit in
  • Develops health problems due to drinking
  • Causes suffering to loved ones and self due to drinking
  • Drinks to deal with negative situation
  • Continues to drink despite experiencing harmful consequences
  • Drinks to overcome shyness

As seen in the above discussion, alcoholism is also a behavioral health issue. Baring those incidents, when one’s company becomes the cause of alcoholism, it largely has an underlying mental thought process leading people towards consuming regular alcohol.

Getting help

Alcoholism can be treated and one can lead a sober life like before. So, if you or a loved one is dealing with alcohol abuse seek immediate help from experts.

We, at California Behavioral Healthcare, can help you get rid of your alcohol problem. Our inpatient residential treatment centers offer the best evidence-based treatment programs ensuring long-term recovery for people living with an alcohol problem. Check out our top intensive outpatient program by calling our 24/7 helpline number 866-225-6101 and get immediate assistance. Alternately, you can also chat with one of our online representatives to assist you further.

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COVID-19 pandemic may increase intimate partner aggression, suggests study https://www.cbhealthcares.com/covid-19-pandemic-may-increase-intimate-partner-aggression-suggests-study/ Tue, 12 Oct 2021 07:00:58 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=299 It has been close to two years since the COVID-19 emerged as one of the most devastating pandemics in the history of mankind. However, it refuses to abate and is still crippling lives across the globe. Every now and then, researchers are coming up with new hazards of the pandemic on the physical and mental...

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It has been close to two years since the COVID-19 emerged as one of the most devastating pandemics in the history of mankind. However, it refuses to abate and is still crippling lives across the globe. Every now and then, researchers are coming up with new hazards of the pandemic on the physical and mental health of people.

One such effect that has come to the forefront in intimate partner aggression. According to a recent study conducted by the Georgia State University researchers, a significant increase in the prevalence of physical and emotional aggression among partners was recorded during the second wave of the pandemic. This aggression was fueled by the lockdown restrictions placed because of the pandemic. The study was published in the Psychology of Violence and is the first to document intimate partner aggression as a result of the restrictions imposed because of the pandemic.

Pandemic caused 7-fold increase in partner aggression

The study reported a six-to-eight-fold spike in the incidence of intimate partner aggression among U.S. couples after the onset of the pandemic. Physical aggression in particular grew from two acts per year to 15 acts per year after the implementation of the shelter-in-place restrictions. Similarly, psychological aggression witnessed a five-fold growth, increasing to 96 acts from 16 acts per year.

“If you think about it, that [increase] represents an enormous shift in people’s day-to-day lives,” said Dominic Parrott, Director of the Center for Research on Interpersonal Violence. “It’s the difference between having a bad fight with your partner once a month versus twice a week.”

The findings were based on the responses of 510 participants, who were recruited in April 2020 when shelter-in-place restrictions were at peak across the U.S. The participants were asked if COVID-19-related stress led to physical and emotional aggression towards their partner and heavy drinking, a known facilitator of aggression. They were also quizzed about COVID-19 stressors.

As suggested by Parrott, people were suddenly exposed to enormous stress, which in turn contributed to aggression and violence among partners. Referring to the findings, the researcher linked the increase in intimate partner violence in couples living in close proximity. The results were similar to previous studies which confirmed that living in close proximity after natural disasters increased incidences of physical and psychological aggression. The researchers wanted to document what was happening as a result of the pandemic.

While heavy drinkers reported higher incidence of intimate partner aggression, non-heavy drinkers were found to be the most affected by COVID-related stress. “People who aren’t heavy drinkers may be able to prevent stress from affecting their relationships under normal circumstances, but we hypothesized that the extreme events of the pandemic might change that. And that’s how the data played out,” added Parrott.

Dealing with intimate partner aggression

Intimate Partner Violence is a debilitating experience for the victim. It is associated with the development of serious mental health problems, including anxiety, suicidal ideation, phobias, depression, alcohol and drug abuse, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Therefore, it is important to address the problem before it leads to serious consequences.

When it comes to dealing with partner aggression and violence, both the aggressive partner and the victim need treatment comprising rehabilitation, counseling and psychotherapy. Victims, in particular, require specialized care and attention. The three areas that need to be addressed in victims of intimate partner aggression are safety of the victim, assurance that they are believed, and identifying the best treatment or a combination of treatments that work for the victim.

If you or someone you know is experiencing partner aggression and/or violence, California Behavioral Healthcare can help you. We offer personalized detox and rehabilitation center for people dealing with intimate partner aggression. Our advance and evidence-based programs ensure that each and every patient receives treatment that is unique and customized to suit their needs and requirements. For further information, call our helpline 866-225-6101 and speak to a representative. Alternatively, you can chat online to further assistance.

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Is attitude of youth changing towards marijuana use https://www.cbhealthcares.com/is-attitude-of-youth-changing-towards-marijuana-use/ Tue, 21 Sep 2021 05:11:18 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=320 Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is the most popular illicit substance used in the United States. Young adults and adolescent children are evidently recorded among the highest users of marijuana. One of the reasons for this is the changing narrative related to marijuana regulations.  The policies in context to marijuana have been changing...

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Marijuana, also known as cannabis or weed, is the most popular illicit substance used in the United States. Young adults and adolescent children are evidently recorded among the highest users of marijuana. One of the reasons for this is the changing narrative related to marijuana regulations.  The policies in context to marijuana have been changing from the past three decades.

While some people vociferous oppose the use of marijuana, others advocate its legalization. Hence, the debate is still on whether or not marijuana should be given a legal status or banned completely. The first waves of change in policy regarding marijuana use took place in 1970. Since then, situations have been constantly changing with raging politics over the use of marijuana.

However, marijuana was legalized to be used for medical purposes in the year 1996. Following the trend, 30 states of Columbia legalized marijuana for medical purposes. After Colorado became the first state to legalize marijuana for recreational purposes, several other states followed suit. After Colorado, 10 more states have decriminalized it’s abstract for recreational and medical purposes. This change has created a perception among the common people that marijuana is less harmful.

With the easy availability of the drug, an increasing trend of its abuse has been observed among youth and adolescents. The potential risk of marijuana use is not only confined to adverse physical health condition but it is associated with several complex mental health disorder, including increased incidence of comorbid substance use, exacerbated addiction problems, suicidal tendency and an onset of psychosis. Among children and young adults, its negative impacts on academic performance and cognition have also been observed when there is substantial marijuana abuse by them.

Winds of change on marijuana use

According to a new report released by NIDA (National Institute Of Drug Abuse) at National Institute of Health (NIH), the attitude of young adults are constantly changing towards marijuana abuse as more states are getting it legalized only for adult use. Young adults think that vaping marijuana is fraught with danger than the casual use of marijuana. They are also wary of using other drugs such as cocaine, LSD, heroin or other sedatives and think it riskier than using marijuana.

NIDA has been monitoring the attitude of young adults and adults since late 1970, the data included adolescent children from 13 to 18 years of age. The data evinced that adolescent population considered vaping weed on occasional to regular basis as very normal. With marijuana being legalized in majority of the states, marijuana abuse was at a substantially higher side. In 2020, very less percentage of young adults viewed marijuana use as risky.

Having studied young adults since 1970 on their marijuana use behavior, NIDA observed that youth in the 19 to 30 age bracket used marijuana on a daily basis. Until 2020 marijuana abuse was recorded at the zenith.

The 2020 data showed that 42% of the population used weed at least once in the past year, 27% percent used marijuana in the past month and 9.8% used it daily. According to records the prevalence of marijuana vaping has decreased to 20% for people using marijuana in a year and 11% for people using marijuana in a month.

The record also showed that marijuana abuse declined with the advancement of age. Comparing the yearly statistics of marijuana abuse age group between 19 and 26 recorded highest abuse from 44% to 47%, while age group between 50 and 60 years showed potentially lower marijuana abuse up to 10% to 11%. As shown by the data, men, between 19 to 30 years of age, vaped marijuana more frequently than women. Therefore, men are potentially at a higher risk of marijuana abuse than women.

What are the signs of marijuana abuse?

Prolonged use of marijuana or cannabis can lead to its abuse. However, knowing the signs can prevent the condition from getting worse. Watch out for the following signs of a potential marijuana abuse:

  • Marijuana used for a prolonged period of time
  • Unable to refrain from marijuana usage irrespective of several attempts
  • Uncontrollable urge or desire to vape marijuana
  • Great deal of effort is put in to arrange for the substance
  • Not able to take responsibilities in personal life
  • Avoiding social gathering and leading life in isolation
  • Developing tolerance for marijuana and need for more marijuana to satisfy the desire
  • Withdrawal symptoms taking over life while trying to quit the drug

But, treatment is also possible to thwart the use of marijuana. The treatment for marijuana abuse includes psychotherapy, talk therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family therapy, and group therapy along with medication. Early intervention is necessary to treat the addiction on time.

How we can help?

Whether it is marijuana abuse or any other substance including opioids, approaching early treatment intervention is the key to an effortless and long-term recovery for patients. Seeking early treatment not only makes the withdrawal symptoms less intense but also increases the chances of a quicker recovery.

At California Behavioral Healthcare, we provide the best residential treatment programs for substance abuse in California. We provide inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, residential substance abuse treatment facility, customized treatment programs, psychotherapies and partial hospitalization programs among others. To get more information on our facilities and treatment programs, you may contact us at our toll free number 866-225-6101.

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Whippets, a drug that’s more dangerous than we think https://www.cbhealthcares.com/whippets-a-drug-thats-more-dangerous-than-we-think/ Tue, 31 Aug 2021 06:52:00 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=316 Whippets are cartridges of nitrous oxide widely used to charge whipped cream dispensers. Whippets are also used clinically by dentists to alleviate anxiety and pain. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is widely available and therefore used as a drug for its euphoric effect. But can nitrous oxide be addictive? The answer is yes!...

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Whippets are cartridges of nitrous oxide widely used to charge whipped cream dispensers. Whippets are also used clinically by dentists to alleviate anxiety and pain. Also known as laughing gas, nitrous oxide is widely available and therefore used as a drug for its euphoric effect.

But can nitrous oxide be addictive? The answer is yes!

Many people use whippets to get high.

A research study suggested that whippets are widely used as an inhalant in United States affecting nearly a million people. It also suggested that nearly 5.2 percent people aged over 26 years and 4.7 percent people over 12 years abuse whippet.

Is nitrous oxide safe for medical use?

Nitrous oxide is used during oral surgery. When inhaled, it triggers a floating experience, dizziness, and relieves pain. But the dose is determined by medical professionals and it should be administered under medical supervision only.

How does whippet affect your body? Is it’s mechanism the same as other drugs?

Drugs such as cocaine, opioids, or MDMA tricks the central nervous system (CNS) to release neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. As a result, the person feels happy, relaxed, and high.

However, nitrous oxide cuts off oxygen supply to the brain for 2 minutes and interferes with other pathways. The person abusing whippet will laugh uncontrollably, feel extremely happy, and experience a loss of sensation in limbs. Once the person gets addicted to whippet, the urge to bombard the brain with nitrous oxide turns into an outrageous temptation, compelling the person to use it within frequent intervals.

Nitrous oxide deprives the body and the brain of oxygen, which results in increasing carbon dioxide in body. People abusing whippet can face lethal consequences such as going into coma, hospitalization, or death.

Sudden oxygen deprivation is known as hypoxia which can damage the CNS and cause permanent disability including:

  • Organ damage
  • Brain damage
  • Paralysis
  • Loss of lung function
  • Nerve damage
  • Seizure
  • Heart damage

Another side effect of nitrous oxide abuse is vitamin B12 deficiency. Vitamin B12 is responsible for carrying oxygen throughout the body. It is also important for normal brain function. People diagnosed for low vitamin B12, may have abused nitrous oxide. Vitamin B12 is also used as a treatment aid to combat the side effects of nitrous oxide abuse.

How do people consume whippet?

People try to inhale nitrous oxide by filling it in balloons to warm it and to be able to control it. Inhaling nitrous oxide from a canister or whippet can be difficult, because it escapes very fast and is cold in nature. If inhaled directly, it can permanently damage the lungs.

A sure-shot sign to recognize whippet abuse are finding empty balloons smelling of a strange chemical or a metal instrument called a cracker, used to open nitrous oxide canister.

According to a national survey, roughly around 9.1 million people in the United States are addicted to inhalants and nearly 11.8 million people abused nitrous oxide in their lifetime.

How we can help?

California Behavioral Healthcare helps treat people battling addiction and mental health issues. We have the best detox treatment centers, alcohol addiction treatment centers, and rehabilitation centers in California. We offer customized treatment plans as per individual requirement. Our inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, psychotherapies, group therapy, and alternate therapies are effective in combatting comorbid or co-occurring conditions. To know more about us, call our 24/7 toll free number 866-225-6101. You can also chat online with our trainers available round the clock for more information.

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Is alcohol a depressant or a stimulant? Unravel the truth behind this raging debate https://www.cbhealthcares.com/is-alcohol-a-depressant-or-a-stimulant-unravel-the-truth-behind-this-raging-debate/ Mon, 30 Aug 2021 07:01:29 +0000 https://www.cbhealthcares.com/?p=301 Whether Alcohol is a depressant or a stimulant is a perpetual debate. People consume alcohol for a myriad of reasons ranging from pacifying their agitated minds to experience a high, enjoy life, feel relaxed and reduce social inhibition. Alcohol has this sedative characteristic loved by all. Many people drink alcohol to overcome emotional stress, trauma,...

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Whether Alcohol is a depressant or a stimulant is a perpetual debate. People consume alcohol for a myriad of reasons ranging from pacifying their agitated minds to experience a high, enjoy life, feel relaxed and reduce social inhibition. Alcohol has this sedative characteristic loved by all. Many people drink alcohol to overcome emotional stress, trauma, numb overwhelming emotional pain, and to sleep well.

But the truth is, alcohol can be very harmful and may result in dire consequences when consumed for long. It is one of the most ominous substances people abuse with debilitating outcome.

Alcohol is a depressant that has the ability to impair motor skills and cognitive skills if used for prolonged period of time. It is an inducer of stress and anxiety when a person develops an alcohol tolerance level after prolonged usage. Alcohol may stimulate or perk you up initially, but later it adversely affects the central nervous symptoms and disturbs the brain chemistry.

What are depressants and how they affect brain function?

Depressant drugs include hypnotic, sedatives and tranquilizers. All of these affect the central nervous system by slowing down its activity. However these drugs do not make a person depressed. For example sedatives and hypnotic drugs are used to induce sleep or other sleep related disorder while tranquilizers are administered to treat anxiety, relieve muscle spam, acute stress and panic attacks. The depressants upsurge the level of neurotransmitter GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) which alleviate the activity of central nervous system and brain.

Why is alcohol termed as a harmful depressant?

Alcohol can affect brain function in numerous ways and the extent of damage and severity of addiction depends on the amount, duration and frequency of intake. Alcohol binds to the GABA receptor, which is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for decreasing the activity of central nervous system. It induces sedation, a feeling of calmness, reduced heart rate and slows down breathing. Alcohol also suppresses glutamate, which results in impaired brain function and memory loss. Not only that, alcohol also makes the brain to release a happy neurotransmitter called dopamine which gives a feeling of reward and pleasure—the primary reason why people are drawn towards alcohol, ending up becoming addicts. With protracted consumption of alcohol, a person develops tolerance level, which impairs alertness, vision, judgment, concentration, reaction time and senses.

What are the negative effects of alcohol and certain other depressants?

Apart from alcohol, some other depressants like Valium, Xanax, Ativan, Halcion,  Librium and Klonopin are also very harmful. These drugs are prescribed to treat anxiety, sleep disorder, seizure etc. However, the problem begins when these prescribed medications are abused along with alcohol by people. This leads to serious consequences involving short and long-term effects.

Some of the side-effects of depressants drugs include:

  • Fatigue
  • Slower heart rate
  • Light headedness
  • Low blood pressure
  • Depression
  • Slurred speech
  • Unconsciousness
  • Slow breathing
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Impaired motor skills
  • Seizure
  • Death

The emotional negative side-effects of depressants include:

  • Risky behavior such as getting involved in gambling or crime
  • Unusual sexual drive or libido
  • Strained relationship with family and friends
  • Lack of focus and interest
  • Not productive at work place
  • Loose ability to take responsibility
  • Unable to perform daily chores
  • Involved in risky behavior such as driving while drunk
  • Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
  • Overwhelming emotions

How mood disorder is linked to alcohol 

People grappling with mood disorder or other mental illnesses such as anxiety disorder, depression, bipolar disorder or post traumatic stress disorder often develop alcohol use disorder to numb their symptoms. They use alcohol to assuage the symptoms, thus leading to a condition called dual diagnosis.

People also abuse prescribed medication with alcohol or might stop taking medicines altogether to abuse alcohol. In both cases, it wreaks havoc in one’s life.

Get help for alcohol abuse

Battling with substance abuse like alcohol is not easy. However, seeking treatment early on one can reclaim a healthy life. We, at California Behavioral Health Care deal with drug and alcohol addiction along with co-occurring disorders. If you are looking for alcohol addiction treatment centers, drug addiction treatment centers or detox centers in California, reach out to us on our 24/7 toll free number 866-225-6101 for immediate assistance. We are focused on providing personalized care and customized treatment programs to our patients.

The post Is alcohol a depressant or a stimulant? Unravel the truth behind this raging debate appeared first on CB Healthcares.

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