Will the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in California Affect the Recovery Community?

The possibility of legalizing marijuana has been an issue in California for many years, and now that the law has finally passed people are struggling to figure out what it will mean for citizens of the state. Medical marijuana has been legal in California for quite some time but recent changes mean that anyone over the age of 21 will be able to purchase the drug legally. This change will affect everyone but it could have an especially significant impact on the recovery community.

If marijuana becomes a legal drug that people can freely use recreationally it could change the mindset that people have about it. Marijuana is likely to become more mainstream and the type of self-medicating that occurs with its use will become more socially acceptable. This dramatic change in thinking about the drug could affect people in recovery who may have used it in the past or who had a problem with other drugs but are trying to stay sober.

Legal drugs have the possibility to become abused much more often than illegal drugs as has become the case with legal prescription opioids. When a drug is legal people assume that it is harmless and safe to use on a regular basis. Marijuana could cause more people to become addicted and create more triggers for people in everyday life.

The Changing Perception of Marijuana

Before it became legal, marijuana was one of the most commonly used illegal drugs in the U.S. Even though it is thought of as common party drug there have been many stigmas associated with marijuana use including poor academic performance, underachievement, reduced workplace productivity, driving accidents and increased risk of other kinds of substance abuse. For many years people considered marijuana a “gateway drug” that would inevitably lead to other, heavier kinds of drug use.

Gradually, the attitude toward marijuana as a dangerous drug began to dissipate as people started to recognize that it potentially had medical value. The legalization of medical marijuana gave people the perception that marijuana was not always damaging to a person’s body. People now use marijuana for problems with pain, insomnia, nausea, and many other ailments.

After years of medical use, marijuana has now been legalized in California as many of the stigmas behind the drug have gradually lifted. Although it may be helpful to some people with specific medical problems, it is important for people to remember that it is still a drug that can have addictive qualities as with any other substance.

Recovery and Marijuana

In the recovery community, marijuana is viewed much like any other drug because it is considered a mind-altering substance. For someone who has an addictive nature any substance that acts as a way to self-medicate or escape from problems will be an issue for them. For addicts, anything that alters their state of mind can become addictive and create a cycle of abuse.

Some people who have quit drinking or some other type of drug may feel that it is okay for them to smoke marijuana because it was not their drug of choice. They may feel even more tempted to do so now that it has become legal to use recreationally. The idea that a person in recovery can use marijuana safely is a dangerous myth that could cause problems.

The problem with using any drug in recovery is that it can give the addict the taste of what it feels like to alter their state of mind. Even if they were never addicted to marijuana, using it can make them slip back into using the drug that they were addicted to. In other words, marijuana creates a very serious danger for relapse.

Feeling high in any way causes an addict to chase that feeling as they did when they first started using drugs. It is the chase after that first high that causes substance abuse to escalate for addicts because they develop a tolerance. After a while, marijuana may not seem like enough and they may switch back to their old addiction.

Staying Sober Around Marijuana

It is important for everyone in the California recovery community to realize that even though marijuana is now legal, it is still a drug that can cause problems especially for those with existing addiction issues. It may be harder to deal with the triggers of marijuana being around more often and legal to buy in different types of shops. However, staying sober means abstaining from all mind-altering substances including marijuana.

Like anyone who has been addicted to alcohol or prescription drugs understands, just because a drug is legal does not mean it is harmless. Marijuana can be a threat to people in the recovery community and they must treat it the same way they would any other drug, legal or not.

The post Will the Legalization of Recreational Marijuana in California Affect the Recovery Community? appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/will-legalization-recreational-marijuana-california-affect-recovery-community/

You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Get Help

 

When you read or hear about addiction treatment you may frequently come across the idea of “rock bottom” being the biggest motivation for getting help. Although hitting rock bottom may be a common story for people with addictions who finally decided to reach out, it is not the only way that someone can realize that they want treatment. People can recover from addiction in many different ways and they do not necessarily need to reach their lowest point before they can get sober.

The concept behind rock bottom is the story of an addict who recklessly continues to use in spite of all the signs that they should quit. They might ignore people that suggest that they should cut back or get defensive if someone talks about recovery. For this person they are only able to realize that they have a problem when they lose everything as a result of their addiction.

Rock bottom could come in the form of losing your job, getting a divorce, getting arrested or any other event that finally makes you understand that your addiction is ruining your life. Someone at rock bottom has nowhere else to turn and needs to seek help to get themselves back on track. Although many people may experience addiction and recovery this way, the idea that all addicts have to hit rock bottom is a myth that can actually be problematic.

The Myth about Addiction and Rock Bottom

One of the issues with the idea of rock bottom is that some people may believe that there is nothing you can do to help an addict until they reach this point. Some people may think that they simply have to wait until the person with the addiction creates enough problems in their life that they will want to seek help on their own. While it can be difficult to get an addict to realize they have a problem, that doesn’t mean you have to let them continue in their own destruction.

The concept of rock bottom can cause people to believe that they are powerless to help a friend or loved one who may be in need. It can also cause the addict themselves to believe that they don’t need help yet because they haven’t reached their lowest point. Believing the myth of rock bottom can delay much needed treatment and cause more damage than is necessary when someone has an addiction.

The reality is that the sooner a person gets treatment for their addiction, the better chance they will have of avoiding health problems and other issues that could make recovery more difficult. People who are addicted to drugs or alcohol for many years may be more vulnerable to developing co-occurring disorders such as depression and anxiety as a result of their dependencies. They can also end up with issues such as liver or brain damage that will require medical treatment if they do not get the help they need.

Rock bottom can also lead to serious financial ruin which can be devastating for a person’s life and their family. Allowing a person to reach that point can mean that they truly lose everything and may have a much harder time bouncing back from their financial loss. Rather than their job and all their money, it may be better for them to recover before they are so devastated by addiction.

Getting Help Early

Instead of waiting for rock bottom, it is better for a person to get help as early as they can so that they can have a successful recovery. At any point that you begin to realize that you or your loved one is suffering from addiction, you can start to take steps toward treatment. Don’t avoid responsibility because you believe that rock bottom is the necessary starting point for recovery.

If someone you love has an addiction it is never too early to consider talking to them one on one or staging an intervention so that you can discuss the possibility of them getting help. Early treatment can actually be a life saving opportunity for someone who might suffer significantly from any delay in getting help. If you yourself believe that you have an addiction, reach out to someone as soon as possible so that you don’t have to experience all of unnecessary pain and struggle that goes along with addiction.

Although for many people rock bottom may have been the only way they were able to end their denial about their addiction, others can be receptive to treatment sooner before they lose everything. Ending addiction is a personal experience and never happens the same way for everyone. Take advantage of any opportunity you have to get yourself or someone you love the treatment they need.

The post You Don’t Need to Hit Rock Bottom to Get Help appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/dont-need-hit-rock-bottom-get-help/

Are Teens “Too Young” to be Labeled Alcoholics?

Alcoholism is a serious disease that can affect people from all walks of life regardless of their circumstances. There are many prevailing myths and stereotypes about what an alcoholic looks like. While people imagine that alcoholism only occurs later on in adulthood, the reality is that it can take place at any age and at any point in a person’s life.

The myth that a person can be “too young” to be an alcoholic can be problematic for a number of reasons. It is unfortunate that people who believe this myth may fail to get treatment for themselves or someone they love who is in their teens or early 20s. Most doctors know from experience in diagnosing the disorder that age makes no difference when it comes to unhealthy consumption of alcohol.

Although people may imagine that alcoholism is a disease for people who are in their 30s and 40s, the truth is that the disease actually is more common than ever among young people. Studies show that the median age for initial drug use is actually 14 years old and the younger a person is when they start using, the more likely they are to develop an addiction. In fact, 90 percent of people who develop an addiction start using before the age of 18.

The current trend is that kids are becoming addicted at younger and younger ages and the effects of alcohol use can be devastating on a teen who is still developing and growing. Underage drinking is fairly common because teens tend to have risk taking behavior as their brains are still developing and they can be more impulsive than adults. Teens may have less regard for the consequences of their behavior and may drink excessively without considering the negative effects of alcohol.

Health Risks of Underage Drinking

Teenagers who have alcohol addictions will experience a dramatic impact on their physical and mental health because of their young age. Because their brains are still developing they can cause long-term damage to their thinking and memory skills which can be difficult to recover. They may have lasting impairment resulting from heavy alcohol consumption that continues later in adulthood.

As anyone who drinks heavily knows, alcohol can have very damaging on the liver. In fact, many teens and young adults can show liver damage equal to that of a middle aged alcoholic. Doctors can identify liver damage through elevated liver enzymes and these can be frequently found in adolescent drinkers especially if they are overweight or obese.

Many teens are still going through puberty and their hormone levels are changing throughout their development with increases of testosterone and estrogen . Drinking during this critical period of hormonal change can upset the balance of hormones in a teen’s body. Alcohol can even adversely affect the maturation of the reproductive system.

Signs of Teen Alcoholism

Teens who engage in heavy drinking should be provided with treatment early to prevent any of the negative health effects that they might experience with continued use. It is important to recognize signs of teen drinking or alcoholism and avoid believing the prevailing myth that they are too young to need treatment.

These are some of the signs of teen alcoholism:
-smell of alcohol on breath or clothes on a regular basis
-slurred speech or problems with coordination
– changes in sleep pattern
– deterioration in physical appearance
– changes in academic performance
– loss of interest in hobbies or activities
– getting in trouble at school or with the law
-neglecting responsibilities at home or at school

Teens who have a problem with alcoholism will exhibit a marked shift in their usual behavior and act much more carelessly or recklessly than normal. They can also appear more depressed or anxious and hide things from their parents or friends. They may be more secretive and hide things from others or lie about where they’ve been and what they’ve been doing.

Treating Teens with Addictions

It is crucial for teens to get the help that they need to recover from an alcohol problem. They are never too young to go to detox or a rehab center so that they can become healthy again. More teens than ever are getting the help they need early and even attending 12 step meetings so that they can learn to be sober.

While it is normal for teens to be rebellious or take risks, an addiction is a serious issue that requires professional attention. The earlier they receive treatment, the less likely they are to suffer from long term physical or mental health issues. Teens in treatment can learn healthier coping methods that will help them for the rest of their lives.

If you think your child might be suffering from an alcohol addiction, look for a local treatment center that accepts teens into their inpatient program.

The post Are Teens “Too Young” to be Labeled Alcoholics? appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/teens-young-labeled-alcoholics/

Recovery from Opioids

Opioid abuse and addiction has reached a level of national crisis and has been declared an epidemic in the U.S. Because opioid abuse is the highest it has ever been, more and more people are looking for options to recover from their issues with prescription painkillers. Fortunately, it is possible to quit opioids for good even for those who have struggled with an addiction for a long time.

There can be many factors that cause people to abuse opioids but it is important for everyone to understand that these kinds of drugs are highly addictive. Common opioids like codeine, Vicodin, Oxycontin and Percoset all contain slightly modified components of opium. They are prescribed to combat pain but they also tend to produce a feeling of euphoria that people become hooked on.

Opiates are also addictive because people tend to develop a tolerance to them meaning that they need to take more and more to get the same effects. Tolerance is actually one of the first signs of addiction as well as symptoms of withdrawal whenever someone misses a dose of the medication. Someone who is experiencing tolerance and withdrawal is most likely dealing with a physical dependence on the medication which makes it very difficult to quit.

Signs of an Opioid Addiction

Because opioids are a legal, prescription drug people may not be sure whether they or someone they love is actually dealing with an addiction. These are some possible signs that a person is addicted to opioids:

-Use of opioids has increased over time with a higher dose or more frequent dosage

-Withdrawal symptoms whenever medication is ceased for a period of time

– Using more medication than intended or more than is prescribed by a doctor

– Experiencing negative consequences as a result of opioid use

– Failing to meet responsibilities due to excessive opioid use

– Making unsuccessful attempts to reduce drug use

Whenever someone has lost control of their drug use and it is starting to interfere with their life then they are most likely dealing with an addiction. The only way to quit a serious addiction such as opioid abuse is to get help from a treatment center. Attempting to quit on your own is dangerous and most often ineffective.

Treatment for Opioid Abuse

In order to recover from an opioid addiction, the first step is to find a detox center to rid yourself of the chemical dependency that you have on the medication. Being physically addicted to a drug can be a huge impedance that prevents you from focusing on the mental aspects of addiction recovery. An opioid addict will face some significant struggles during detox but attending a detox clinic with medical staff on  hand will ensure that it is safe and effective.

During detox a patient may experience a number of uncomfortable withdrawal symptoms once they completely abstain from any drug use. Withdrawal symptoms are normal, can be treated with medical care and usually subside within a few weeks. During detox people may experience symptoms such as:

• Irritability, agitation, low energy
• Insomnia and other sleep problems
• Hot and cold sweats
• Muscle aches and pains
• Stomach cramps,nausea, vomiting and diarrhea

People in detox also tend to have mental health symptoms such as feelings of depression or anxiety. These may subside over the course of detox but if they persist they can be treated in a rehab setting.

Following detox, it is equally important for someone with an opioid addiction to attend an inpatient or outpatient treatment program that will address their mental addiction to painkillers. Detox eliminates physical dependency but does not treat the underlying issues that may be present in someone who has an addiction. There may be mental health factors that contributed to their need to self-medicate or other issues that must be treated in a rehab facility.

At a rehab center, someone in recovery from an opioid addiction will have access to a personal therapist on a regular basis. Therapy is a crucial step in recovery because it allows a patient the chance to discuss their problems one on one with a professional who understands the causes and triggers that are involved with addiction. A therapist can help an individual figure out why they became addicted and give them insight on what they can do to remain sober.

One of the major benefits of attending a rehab facility is having the opportunity to connect with other people who are struggling with the same issues. Attending group therapy or support meetings can be a great way to heal from any problems of the past and develop new relationships that will keep you on track with your sobriety goals. A support system you can trust is a crucial element in preventing relapse.

If you or someone you know is struggling with an addiction to opioids, there is help available. Contact a local treatment center that offers detox and inpatient rehab for opioid addiction as soon as possible.

The post Recovery from Opioids appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/recovery-from-opioids/

Anxiety in Young Adults

Those who experience anxiety disorder are dealing with more than just normal daily worries and stresses. Anxiety can be a complicated and difficult issue to live with because it can cause people to struggle with keeping their routine. Someone who has anxiety finds that their life is often interrupted by overwhelming feelings and thoughts that prevent them from accomplishing certain and sometimes maintaining important relationships.

Unfortunately, anxiety is actually a very prevalent problem and one that is becoming more common among young adults either in high school or college. There has been a significant increase in the number of teens and young adults with anxiety and depression since the 1940s. Anxiety can be especially problematic for people at this age because they are still developing socially and becoming more self-aware.

Current statistics show that 25 percent of teens in the U.S. will fit the criteria for an anxiety disorder at some point in their life and anxiety is the most common mental disorder in adults with 18 percent of the population suffering from the problem. The U.S. also has a higher incidence of anxiety than the rest of the world so teens and young adults in America are particularly struggling with this issue. There are a few different theories as to why teens are now dealing with anxiety more than ever.

What Causes Anxiety for Teens and Young Adults

People experience anxiety for a variety of reasons but why does the trend seem to be increasing especially among young people? Some theorize that the way modern culture has changed may contribute to issues like depression and anxiety when children reach high school age. As technology and American lifestyles continue to change it could be negatively affecting young people’s mental health.

Isolation is a significant factor in the development of problems with anxiety as young people grow up and lack a support system. People need plenty of face to face social connection and a sense of being part of a community in order to feel mentally stable. As young people grow up they may be disconnected from their friends or their family.

Teens need even more social connection than adults because they are still developing and learning how to behave socially. Interaction with other people can help them reduce stress and develop good mental health. Without the support of loving parents, siblings and close friends many teens can start to become isolated and socially anxious.

In addition to environmental factors, some young people may be more prone to anxiety because they have a genetic vulnerability. They may have parents, grandparents or other relatives that have mental health problems. Genetic traits related to anxiety may not appear until adolescence when these issues become more visible.

Recognizing and Treating Anxiety Issues Early

It is important to take action as soon as symptoms of anxiety begin to appear in a young person. Ignoring the problem or assuming that it will resolve itself when they get older may cause the symptoms to worsen as the anxiety becomes more complex and interferes with their development. Even young teens may need professional support if their anxiety is starting to cause problems at school or with their peers.

If you notice any of these symptoms in a teen or young adult then it may be time to reach out to a therapist for help:

-restlessness

-fatigue

-trouble concentrating

-irritability

-sleep problems

-fear of social situations

-poor performance in school

-low self-esteem

-behavioral problems

Anxiety can be different for each individual but if you suspect that a young person in your life is struggling then you should try to open a discussion with them. Ask them how they have been doing and whether they are adjusting well at school or at home. If they seem to be having issues with anxiety then consider helping them make plans for treatment.

For parents who have teens dealing with anxiety, it is a good idea to find a qualified therapist to talk to them and give them some advice and guidance. You can also help by making an effort to spend more time with your kids, provide support in any way you can and encourage them to join clubs or teen activities where they will feel accepted. Teens need support from both family and peers when they are coping with symptoms of a mental illness.

If you or someone you love has symptoms of anxiety, don’t hesitate to look for help from a psychiatrist or a treatment center. Young people can overcome many of their issues with anxiety and go on to lead normal and happy lives with the proper support and resources. Your best option is to call a local mental health center to find out more about anxiety and ask about their approach to treatment.

The post Anxiety in Young Adults appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/anxiety-young-adults/

Essential Oils for Anxiety and Depression

Everyone experiences feelings of sadness and stress that can be overwhelming from time to time. Luckily there are plenty of natural mood boosters that act as a therapeutic way to ease some of your tension and help you feel more relaxed. Some studies show that the use of certain essential oils can be helpful in promoting a healthier mood for people with mild symptoms.

Essential oils cannot work to cure depression or eliminate other mental health issues, but they can act as a nice mood lifter and people can benefit from them as a complement to other types of therapy. Research indicates that essential oils may help relieve some of the physical symptoms associated with depression by improving sleep, relaxation and enhancing the mental state. Used in combination with massage therapy, essential oils can also help reduce symptoms of pain.

There are several studies involving essential oils but much of the evidence tied to their effectiveness is based on personal accounts. One study proved that patients who received an aromatherapy massage with essential oils reported less pain and depression than those who received massage alone.

Another study provided powerful evidence that essential oils can help reduce feelings of worry and anxiety. The study selected elementary school teachers under a lot of stress and used a 10 minute long inhalation of the essential oil bergamot. The teachers showed reduced blood pressure and heart rate as well as more balanced nervous activity.

Types of Essential Oils

Bergamot is well-known for its use in calming feelings of depression and anxiety. It is a very popular oil because it is very stimulating and can create a feeling of joy and freshness by improving blood circulation. Bergamot can be combined with other types of oils to have a more powerful effect on improving your mood.

One of the most well-known essential oils used for relaxation is lavender, which is made from a purple flower with many beneficial properties. Lavender can be used in many forms including tea and essential oils to help promote healthy sleep and a more balanced mood. A small study showed that patients with depression showed improvement after receiving 60 drops of lavender tincture per day.

Roman chamomile is another essential oil that helps to battle depression and anxiety. Most people are familiar with chamomile tea which you can drink to help you sleep and relax. Chamomile is one of the best medicinal herbs to fight stress because of its soothing qualities.

Another essential oil that is often used to fight depression is ylang ylang which is known to have immediate positive effects on a person’s mood. Research shows that this herb can help release negative emotions such as anger, low self-esteem and jealousy. It can also help reduce heart rate, blood pressure and breathing rate to promote a feeling of calm.

How Oils Change Your Mood

The main reason that essential oils can affect your mood has to do with the way our sense of smell is linked to our brain. Smells can serve as emotional triggers as they are carried directly to your brain and interact with the limbic system. This system evaluates sensory stimuli including scent and registers either pleasure, pain, danger or safety.

The limbic system is sometimes referred to as the “emotional brain” because it is directly to connected to the parts of the brain that control your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormonal balance. When people experience stress they often have an increased heart rate and rapid breathing which creates tension in the mind and body.

When you inhale essential oils they interact positively with the limbic system and help create physiological changes that affect your mood. By improving your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing the smell of the oil can allow you to feel more relaxed and less anxious. Inhaling a blend of oils directly from the bottle or through a diffuser for several minutes can have an immediate effect on your mood.

Using Essential Oils

In addition to using a diffuser you can also add essential oils to your bath for relaxation or apply them directly to the skin. Applying essential oils topically to the skin can help reduce pain and allow you to absorb the properties of the herb. Massage and heat can help enhance the absorption of the oil.

If you have mild symptoms of depression or anxiety, then incorporating essential oils into your daily life can help improve your mood. The oils should be used as a complement to regular treatment through a therapist if you have more severe symptoms or have been diagnosed with a mental illness. You can incorporate essential oils into other relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, yoga or meditation to increase the effects and get the best results.

The post Essential Oils for Anxiety and Depression appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/essential-oils-anxiety-depression/

Can Sober People Take Antidepressants?

People who make the choice to quit abusing substances may feel hesitant to be put on any type of medication. Part of recovery is making the decision to avoid any type of “mind-altering” substance that changes your mood and affects your emotional state. Medication like antidepressants can seem like a grey area because they are provided by a psychologist but they also are taken to alter your mood, something that sober people make great efforts to avoid.

For many people in the recovery community, antidepressants and other types of medication still carry a stigma with them. Sober people may see antidepressants as just another chemical meant to provide you with an escape from your natural emotional state. Some members of 12 step groups may feel that medication of any kind is detrimental to reaching full recovery.

The prevailing attitude that medication is dangerous can be accurate for many types of prescription drugs such opioids or sleeping medications which can be habit forming and cause addiction. However, although antidepressants do act as a mood altering drug they are rarely abused and typically don’t lead to addiction. These kinds of pills can actually be life-saving for people that struggle with severe depression and suicidal thoughts.

Coping with a Dual Diagnosis

The idea that people should avoid antidepressants because they are in recovery is misleading and can be dangerous for someone that has been given a dual diagnosis. Someone who has been self-medicating their depression or anxiety with alcohol or other drugs with find it especially difficult to become sober. The symptoms of their mental illness are likely to intensify to an overwhelming point once they take away their substance abuse.

Some people in the recovery community may not realize that there is a difference between the type of sadness and emptiness that a person generally feels when quitting an addiction and the experience of someone with a legitimate mental illness. Someone with suicidal thoughts or a person who has attempted suicide in the past may need extra help to get through their recovery. A history of mental illness can make quitting an addiction very painful and may require specialized support and care.

If someone is diagnosed with a mental illness like depression or anxiety when they decide to quit their addiction, they will benefit most from a dual diagnosis facility for their treatment. Dual diagnosis programs treat both issues simultaneously and can provide the right kind of medication to improve mental health symptoms. Patients given medication can be monitored to see how they react to antidepressants and whether they should be used short term or long term.

Antidepressants vs. Other Medications

The stigma surrounding antidepressants in some parts of the recovery community may be founded on a misunderstanding of the way the medication works. Prescription pills like opioids or benzodiazepines are the types of medications that should be avoided in recovery because they have addictive properties. With those addictive drugs, users feel the effects very soon after taking it and can experience a sense of euphoria followed by the feeling of “coming down” when the effects wear off.

On the other hand, antidepressants can alter the mood but the effects of the medication take weeks or even months to start working. This type of medication does not offer an immediate “high”, in fact users rarely if ever feel the kind of euphoria that one would experience with opioids. Instead they feel more emotionally stable without the extreme highs and lows that usually go along with drug use.

In many cases, antidepressants are helpful to temporarily cushion the blow of getting off drugs or alcohol for people with a dual diagnosis. Patients do not necessarily have to continue taking antidepressants indefinitely and it is their choice whether they want to use them to help their situation. Some may prefer not to use the medication and simply rely on traditional types of therapy to improve their symptoms.

It is important to realize that people in recovery need to at least have the option to take antidepressants to help them get back on their feet especially if they have a mental illness. The medication may be a type of mood altering substance but it works very differently than addictive medication and is rarely abused. People in recovery should feel secure and safe about taking pills for the benefit of their mental health.

Whether a person decides to use medication or not, it is always important that they spend plenty of time in individual and group therapy to combat their depression and their issues with addiction. Therapy is the place where many of these problems are resolved and patients can eventually wean themselves off of antidepressants. No matter what the situation, it is important to reserve judgement if someone needs medication in their recovery and try to reduce the stigma surrounding antidepressants.

The post Can Sober People Take Antidepressants? appeared first on Serenity Malibu.

source https://www.serenitymaliburehab.com/can-sober-people-take-antidepressants/