Addiction Recovery

Just Say “No” to Nootropics

Posted on by Christy Weeks

Nootropics Pose Danger to Addicts in Recovery

An important question to consider in addiction treatment programs is how safe are supplements? While multivitamins are generally safe, the rise of supplements to enhance physical and mental performance may be risky for the general population and especially those in addiction recovery. A recent class of supplements known as nootropics have been marketed online, especially through social media sources like Facebook. They promise to help with concentration, attention span and overall cognitive function – boosting memory, alertness and mental performance.

The target audience for these supplements are young college age adults and young working professionals and the demand is growing. Take, “Alleradd” for example, a play on the word for the drug “Adderall” that uses this marketing statement: “Alleradd elevates your energy, enhances your memory, and helps you find your focus, even if you are tired or stressed out.” AlternaScript says that among those who use their product are students, entrepreneurs, athletes and business executives. They also say they can deliver these benefits without the side effects of prescription drugs. Such marketing tactics make the unsuspecting believe they must be safe and even beneficial for use.

Unfortunately, these supplements may provide a “gray area” for addicts in recovery who don’t consider supplements mood altering and aren’t considered controlled substances. However, if drugs like Alleradd deliver similar effects to drugs like Adderall, then these pose a risky slippery slope for addicts. They certainly qualify as mood or mind altering, according to their marketing slogans, and may give an addict a “taste” of a high that could lead to a full-blown relapse. The commonly used phrase in Narcotics Anonymous that “one is too many and a thousand is never enough” is highly applicable to these supplements. They likely provide the former stimulant abuser, for example, with a feeling of the high, but not quite enough – which may influence them to seek the real thing.

While addiction treatment programs should educate clients on these supplements, the general population should be cautioned as well. Just like with synthetic drugs, little is known about the physical and mental effects of the combination of supplements like piracetam and tyrosine in nootropics even if they are “natural.” Unfortunately it usually takes a few adverse events for the FDA or other government agencies to ban such products. Until then, education and caution should be used – especially for addicts in recovery who may be vulnerable to the marketing tactics of AlternaScript, the makers of Alleradd.

DHA May Combat “Wet Brain”

Posted on by Christy Weeks

Omega-3 docosahexaenoic acid or DHA has grown in popularity as a supplement that supports brain health. Several studies have shown that that omega-3s help combat cancer, depression, asthma, cardiovascular disease, ADHD, and autoimmune diseases. DHA is beneficial for a magnitude of conditions because it targets inflammation, the root of many diseases. And just last week a study revealed that DHA can mitigate the side effects of alcohol abuse – namely, inflammation in the brain.

Long-term alcohol abuse can cause what is known as “wet brain” or alcoholic brain damage and dementia. To determine if DHA could help these negative effects of alcohol, scientists from Loyola University gave rats large quantities of alcohol for several days. They then gave some of the rats fish oil containing DHA and found that they had 90% lower brain cell death and inflammation of the brain than those not given DHA.

According to the study lead, Michael Collins, “Fish oil has the potential of helping preserve brain integrity in chronic alcohol abusers.” Obviously further research is needed to see if the same outcomes will persist in human trials. But at the very least, alcoholics in recovery have nothing to lose consuming DHA because of the many aforementioned benefits. Our Colorado addiction treatment center encourages healthy eating in early recovery to restore lost nutrients during active addiction. Several supplements, such as B complex vitamins, can support brain function and mood, and this study may motivate adding fish oil to a vitamin or diet regimen for all recovering addicts – not just those suffering the consequences of long term alcohol abuse.

Rehab was on this Lawyer’s Bucket List

Posted on by Christy Weeks

What would you do if you had just a year to live? Many entertain this question for “fun” allowing them to evaluate what is most important to them. For those that have this unfortunate reality, they truly realize what their values are.

John Eggers was faced with this question last year when he was given 12-15 months to live after being diagnosed a brain tumor. The Irvine, CA attorney reportedly began creating a bucket list that including things like skydiving, meeting Joe Biden etc. and soon realized the most important thing he wanted was to be sober when he passed away.

Eggers started taking Oxycodone for a back injury. Soon this grew into an addiction as he began using it to medicate anxiety and depression: “I was in an extremely dark place. A place you could never imagine being.”

He decided to check himself into an addiction rehab last month to become drug free. “I realize my life span is very short and that’s okay. That’s acceptable to me. What’s not acceptable to me is wasting more of the time I have left on opiates, on drugs” he said.
 Considering drugs could end his life before cancer, he is dedicated to staying sober and wants to give back by helping and giving hope to other addicts who are battling cancer.

Here at Harmony Foundation’s Colorado addiction rehab many have had a similar experience to Eggers. They start out taking a controlled substance for a medical problem and then begin using it for other things that it is not medically indicated for – like using opiates for depression. We know the propensity for this happening is high and among all walks of life from young adults to lawyers like Eggers. His story is an inspiration to all those who know what a gift sobriety can be and to those who want the gift of sobriety no matter what their life situation is.

Foods that Enhance Recovery

Posted on by Christy Weeks
Photo via

In active addiction, the alcoholic or drug abuser often reacts to a feeling by using their drug of choice. They may have used alcohol to lower inhibitions, opiates as an escape, benzodiazepines when anxious or amphetamines to wake up.

In active recovery, one of the first challenges an addict faces is that they start to feel feelings – and they are unable to cope with these feelings the way they used to by muting them with a substance. Soon they learn valuable tools that help them get through moods and emotions, many of which are learned in therapy or through a 12 step program.

One tool of recovery that is often overlooked is one’s diet and how it can assist and enhance their recovery by impacting their mood and overall balance. Here are six ways the sustenance of food can help aid problem feelings:

1. Problem: Brain Fog     Solution: Water
In recovery, we often hear people say, “the fog has lifted” referring to getting clean and sober. Depending on the extent of one’s drug abuse, this may take awhile. One way to speed things up is to stay hydrated. The recommended amount of water can be calculated by taking your weight, dividing it in half and drinking that number in ounces every day.

2. Problem: Bad Mood      Solution: Coconut
Coconut contains potassium, which is essential for supporting feel good chemicals like endorphins. They also are packed with fiber and protein, which helps you, stay “regular,” energetic and full for longer. Just a handful of coconut shavings on cereal or a cup of coconut milk or water may do the trick.

3. Problem: Stress     Solution: Dark Chocolate
Dark pure chocolate (not milk chocolate) assists the brain in releasing endorphins – the great mood enhancers. Endorphins also attack cortisol, the stress hormone in the body by slowing it down and eradicating the stress it creates. However, with any food item, moderation is key…especially with sweets that can elevate your blood sugar.

4. Problem: Hopelessness     Solution: Kale
If you are feeling like the future is grim, the antioxidants and carotenoids in kale may transform you into an optimist. A study looking at extremely optimistic people revealed that they had high levels of antioxidants and carotenoids in their blood. If kale is too bitter for you, most dark leafy greens will do. The phytonutrients they contain may just restore hope.

5. Problem: Sadness/Depression      Solution: Salmon
The omega-3s in salmon do for the brain what an oil change does for a car – allowing it to perform optimally. Regular consumption of omega-3s help balance the brain’s communication. That is why scientists are looking at Omega 3s as a cure for clinical depression.

6. Problem: Anxiousness      Solution: Green Tea
If you are angry or anxious, the theanine in green tea is a natural soother. Although often caffeinated, green tea simultaneously provides a calming effect while helping you focus. Achieving calmness while being efficient seems ideal for the anxiety ridden or those with too much on their plate.

If you are confused, anxious, depressed or hopeless, try one of the above. Want the cumulative effect? The sum total of all these would actually make an excellent meal…in fact here is a recipe for coconut salmon and kale.

What Addiction is Like for Philip Seymour Hoffman & Many Others

Posted on by Christy Weeks

A few weeks ago we wrote about Philip Seymour Hoffman’s death and the media frenzy spawned ill informed comments about addiction and his death. Last week an article published in the New York Times entitled “Truth and Prize Emerge From Lies About Hoffman” interviewed Hoffman’s friend, David Bar Katz, who shed a more realistic light on Hoffman’s addiction and the disease in general.

Mr. Katz relayed some details about the night of Hoffman’s death, saying he had invited him over to watch the Knicks game, “The fact that he wanted me to come over for the Knick game meant that he did not want to be doing the drugs, because he never did them in my presence,” he said. Katz  is right – one of the most common traits of addicts in active addiction is isolation. At our addiction rehab, clients share their anecdotes about being alone and isolated at the end, doing their drugs alone and often not socializing because they wouldn’t be able to use substances how they wanted to. This is the case for most addicts – from food addicts who binge alone late at night to alcoholics who prefer their poison at home rather than with others at a bar. For many coming out of this isolation into rehab centers, it takes a while to get their social and communication skills back.

Shedding more light on the reality of Hoffman’s addiction, Mr. Katz also relayed, “Hoffman once said to me, ‘Addiction is when you do the thing you really, really most don’t want to be doing.’ He was rigorously sober and had an awful relapse.” Hoffman’s explanation of addiction here is one of the best portrayals of what addiction is like, and a good way to depict addiction to the non-addict.

Addicts do what they hate the most in active addiction but are often unable to stop. Non-addicts may not understand exactly why they are unable to stop but it still gives them a realistic glimpse into the painful life of an addict. In fact, aside from understanding the disease model of addiction addicts sometimes don’t even know themselves why they got started or why they were unable to stop. In addiction treatment, we try not to exert all our energy on the why – and we encourage clients that they don’t have to understand or know or understand everything in order to recover. If the focus is placed on the present, the recovery process and the therapeutic tools at their disposal, many have a good chance of long-term sobriety. Soon enough the isolation, the self defeating behavior and trying to understand the why subsides.

Harmony Hosting 2nd Annual Recovery Skiathon this February

Posted on by Christy Weeks

Harmony Foundation is hosting its 2nd Annual National Recovery Skiathon in Breckenridge, Colorado from February 6-9, 2014.

Our 1st Annual National Recovery Skiathon last year was a huge success and highlighted the importance of fellowship, not only among those in recovery but also among the organizations, treatment centers and alumni services who work in the field of addiction treatment.

Being in fellowship with one another over a weekend in the beautiful Rocky Mountains helps us share missions, visions, ideas and engage in vital cross agency collaboration. Since fellowship is one of the most important components of successful recovery, we believe that fellowship among professionals in the field is one of the most important components of helping people achieve successful recovery.

The weekend in Breckenridge is open to everyone in recovery and working in the field of recovery and their families and friends. Don’t let the term Skiathon fool you, the weekend is packed full of different activities including:

12 step meetings
Recovery films
Networking opportunities
Live music
Ski tours
A TPAS meeting
Dog sledding
Speakers
Comedy
Tubing
Snowboarding

…and of course, fellowshipping!

For more information and to register, click here.

Colorado addiction recovery fellowship

Cory Monteith’s Death Sheds Light on Relapse

Posted on by Christy Weeks
“I may have a relapse but may not have another recovery”
 The Importance of Relapse Prevention

It has been a week since it was announced that Cory Monteith passed away from a fatal combination of alcohol and heroin. The devastating news has made us reflect on the importance of addiction treatment for younger adults and relapse prevention.

Monteith was best known for his role in Glee, portraying Finn Hudson, a young football star turned singer for the high school’s singing squad. He was found dead in a hotel in Vancouver last Saturday and reports indicated that alcohol and other substances were found in his hotel room.

Monteith was open about his substance abuse – saying in interviews that he first got sober when he was 19 and remained clean for almost 10 years. In one interview he told Parade Magazine that was “lucky to be alive” because he was “doing anything and everything, as much as possible” by the age of 16. Then last April his publicist announced that he entered rehab for substance abuse.

His relapse is a reminder that sobriety is something those in recovery have to consistently work at, through various means of support – and that a relapse can happen no matter how many years of sobriety someone has under their belt. There is no one size fits all approach to maintain sobriety, but many find that going to 12 step meetings, having a sponsor, incorporating spiritual principals such as honesty and discipline in their lives, maintaining connection with others in recovery and aftercare services or staying connected to their former treatment centers can help.

That is why Harmony’s addiction rehab in Colorado has a unique alumni support system whereby former clients connect with Alumni Services through events and even an iPhone and Android app that allows them to track their recovery progress. We also have a relapse program for those that need to recommit to their recovery. We have created these safety nets because we believe the saying that “I may have a relapse but may not have another recovery” unfortunately rings true. You never know when a relapse or what combination of substances can take a life. Our hearts and prayers go out to Monteith and his friends and family.

Can a Missing Enzyme Explain Addiction?

Posted on by Christy Weeks

News related to painkiller addiction and opioid overdoses has increased over the past decade alongside the rate of addiction with few tell all explanations as to why. Also mysterious is the rate of relapse among those addicted to opiates compared to other drugs. Painkillers are killing people at an alarming rate and more people are getting hooked everyday. According to the Partnership for a Drug Free America, there are 2,500 teens in the US who try prescription drugs to get high for the first time each day. Many become easily addicted after they experiment with painkillers. A new study published this week by Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science in Los Angeles sheds some light on why painkiller addiction may be so hard to kick for some.

The study suggests that a missing brain enzyme makes some people more susceptible to opioid addiction than others. Researchers removed the enzyme called prohormone convertase 2 (PC2) in mice. This enzyme activates otherwise dormant hormones in the brain and these hormones were found to increase after long-term treatment of morphine. When researchers removed this enzyme, concentrations of the opioid receptors increased in the brain regions related to addiction. When this enzyme is present it regulates the addiction response to opioids in the brain. Although these were preliminary studies, researchers like Theodore C. Friedman, MD, PhD who conducted the study will follow up with similar studies in the near future.

While this study may serve as a partial explanation as to how addiction to opiates occurs, it doesn’t answer why the rate of addiction has reached epidemic levels over the last decade. Many say that the access to painkillers is why addiction rates are so high. A study by Richard Miech, Ph.D. of the University of Colorado Denver explains, “From 1997 to today, legal prescriptions for painkillers increased from 20 million to 160 million a year – a fourfold increase.” Greater access combined with other explanations – like the missing PC2 enzyme – answers some the questions concerning the national epidemic. However, as with many aspects related to addiction the “why” or “how” is often elusive. While people search for explanations, addiction treatment and recovery is most important and works without knowing all the facts about why and how people became addicted in the first place.

If you are concerned about opiate abuse, our young adult and adult addiction programs at Harmony Foundation help people recover from painkiller addiction.

A Sober Bar is Opening in Chicago

Posted on by Christy Weeks

In NYC there is a bar called The 13th Step where you can reportedly purchase drinks with AA sobriety chips. A bar opening at the end of April in Crystal Lake near Chicago is antithetical to The 13th Step, because it will support sobriety rather than mock it.

The Crystal Lake bar will be a sober bar, called The Other Side, started by a local non-profit group that will provide a healthy atmosphere for people both in and out of recovery who want a sober space to hang out in. For many people who don’t drink, there are few sober spaces to hang out and not participating in the societal norm of drinking can be isolating.

This is especially true for young people in recovery in the suburbs of Chicago or for those who are just out of addiction rehab and need a supportive atmosphere. The Other Side will give the suburban sober community a place to hang out and share experiences. Housed in a warehouse loft space filled with couches, pool tables, TVs, a dance floor, a stage area for a band and a DJ – the only real difference between The Other Side and regular bar is that the drinks don’t have alcohol in them. People will even be carded at the door to make sure they are at least 18 and sober.

The warehouse where The Other Side will open has been used by people in recovery as a hangout spot for some time. At first, it just had a few folding chairs and a boom box, but as the volume of people hanging out in the warehouse grew, so did the idea for The Other Side. The local community and those in recovery banded together and made The Other Side – opening April 27th – possible. The sober bar will be open Thursday through Sunday evenings and the profits will go toward drug education and addiction treatment initiatives.

New Year’s Resolutions, Perfectionism and Addiction

Posted on by Christy Weeks

The link between perfectionism and addiction has been well studied and documented. Many who struggle with addiction also struggle with perfectionism. This is because those with perfectionism have constant feelings of shame and guilt over not living up to their own unrealistic expectations. Self-esteem is gained through having realistic expectations of oneself, and if those expectations are too high, self-esteem plummets at each failed attempt at being “perfect.”

Perfectionism and addiction are closely associated in a few obvious ways. First, the shame and guilt associated with failed attempts at being perfect often results in self-defeating behaviors such as abusing drugs and alcohol to overcome the feelings associated with not being good enough. Second, perfectionists often use the all-or-nothing approach to life and this translates into their relationship with substances. They either consume fully or not at all.

When addicts and alcoholics go to addiction treatment and get sober, they learn that they have to abstain from all mind and mood altering substances. This coincides well with their perfectionistic tendencies, but can be detrimental to someone who has had a relapse. For example, if an addict with a streak of perfectionism experiences a slip, they often plunge back into full-blown addiction because they have already imperfected their sobriety. The thought pattern is often “I have already messed up, so I might as well keep going.” In other words, when they have become imperfect, they perfect their imperfection by plunging fully into drug or alcohol use because they believe they have already ruined everything. This is often seen among smokers, drugs addicts, alcoholics and those with food addictions and eating disorders. One small slip and they continue consume as they did in full-blown addiction before drug and alcohol treatment.

The key to overcoming this is awareness of one’s own perfectionism and learning how to set realistic expectations of oneself. If there is a slip, it can be quarantined to that particular slip by forgiving oneself rather than the self punishing tendency to ruin it all and go full throttle back into the addiction. By setting realistic expectations of oneself and therefore improving self-esteem, addicts and alcoholics can use their perfectionism to support their recovery rather than sabotage it.

This can start with New Year’s resolutions. Rather than setting hard to achieve, all-or-nothing goals, they can set softer goals with mechanisms built in to refresh the resolutions at any moment. For example, setting a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking or engage in more active 12-step service are viable. But if there is a slip one day, the resolution itself shouldn’t become null and void. This is why “one day at a time” is such a useful recovery tool. The next day is a new day, a new time to re-set the goal, a new opportunity to remain abstinent from any substance or behavior – whether it is officially New Years Day or not.