One of the overlooked potential benefits when you stop drinking alcohol is weight loss.

Still, you might wonder: How much weight can you lose by not drinking alcohol?

It depends on how many calories you drink regularly. But any weight loss from ending alcohol consumption creates a ripple effect on your overall calorie intake, leading to additional physical and mental health benefits. You’ll likely see improvements from better blood pressure to improved sleep quality if you shed just a few pounds of excess weight.

Our JCAHO-accredited treatment center in Tucson, Arizona, is here to support you as you become alcohol free. The customized treatment options at Catalina Behavioral Health are evidence-based and effective.

We’ve helped hundreds of people quit drinking alcohol and seen what happens to your body – the transformation in mental and physical well-being is transformational.

We invite you to keep reading to learn how much weight loss you may achieve when you stop drinking and the other health benefits of cutting out alcohol consumption.

Cutting Out Alcohol: Connecting Calorie Intake to Weight Loss

Cutting out alcohol use is one of the best weight management methods. Because weight loss occurs when you burn more calories than you consume, removing alcohol can create a caloric void. Most people don’t realize the relatively high calorie count of their alcohol intake.

Our past client “Sophie” is a good illustration of how alcohol can have an impact on one’s weight. Before coming to Catalina, Sophie chased opioid painkillers with two glasses of wine each night to ease her anxiety.

At 250 calories per day, the wine totaled 1,750 calories per week and 7,000 calories per month. By simply avoiding unhealthy food choices and stopping alcohol, Sophie lost two pounds of fat in the first month of her recovery.

Always slightly overweight and with a family history of cardiovascular disease, Sophie used her new sobriety to jumpstart improved nutrition and improve her overall health. She lost another 15 pounds after leaving recovery and is now within the healthy ranges in all categories.

How Much Alcohol Does It Take to Lose Weight or Gain Weight?

Even small amounts of alcohol can have an impact on your weight, especially over time. One or two mixed drinks or bottles of beer might not sound like a lot. Still, they actually add hundreds of extra calories to your diet, without satiating your appetite.

Over a week, you could add approximately 2000 empty calories (depending on your alcoholic beverage choice), or just over 1/2 pound of weight gain, by drinking. In a month, that adds up to just over two pounds.

What Happens to Your Body When You Stop Drinking Alcohol?

When you eliminate alcohol intake, your body starts to heal more quickly than you’d expect if you have good liver function. Within 5 to 10 days after the initial withdrawal, you may notice a reduction in bloating and increased energy.

Over time, your liver, digestive system, and metabolism begin functioning efficiently. For many people, weight loss around the midsection is one of the early visible signs.

Alcohol Withdrawal Timeline

The flip side to the initial benefits can be severe withdrawal symptoms. The alcohol withdrawal timeline can vary, largely depending on how much and how frequently you’ve been drinking.

For most clients, the withdrawal symptoms start in 6 to 12 hours after they stop drinking. After 24 to 72 hours without alcohol, the symptoms of withdrawal can peak and then start to improve.

Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms

You should not quit drinking without professional help, especially if you have Alcohol Use Disorder. The symptoms are generally mild for light to moderate drinkers. But those drinking excessive amounts of alcohol experience more severe withdrawal symptoms.

The only safe place to detox from alcohol is to do so under the supervision of a medically supervised detox center, like the program we offer at Catalina. Our staff provides a safety net by constantly monitoring each client’s vital signs and providing prescription medications to help cope with the side effects of withdrawal.

Below are the withdrawal symptoms. Once you read them, you will understand why it’s important to get professional help with the detox process:

• Anxiety or nervousness
• Irritable or moody
• Restlessness
• Sleep disruptions
• Headaches
• Stomach ache or nausea
• Vomiting (can lead to dehydration)
• Sweating
• Alcohol cravings
• Shaky hands or tremors
• Rapid heart rate
• High blood pressure
• Sensitivity to sounds and light
• Difficulty concentrating
• Delirium tremens (a severe condition that requires emergency treatment)

Detox at Catalina Behavioral Health also provides clients with access to medication-assisted treatment, which helps clients with alcohol misuse safely stop drinking.

Other Benefits You May Experience When You Quit Alcohol Drinking

You will consume fewer calories and your body will begin to lose weight when you quit drinking, as long as you make healthy food choices and eat sensible portion sizes. A trimmer body, especially around the tummy, is a common indicator of a longer life. The weight loss shares a direct connection to these other healthy benefits of quitting alcohol:

Heart Health Improvements and Slowing Heart Disease

Too much alcohol can strain your entire cardiovascular system, especially when you drink frequently or in large quantities. When quitting alcohol, your heart can improve quickly. High blood pressure can often be brought back to safe blood pressure ranges, and the risk of heart disease is reduced.

Studies even show that alcohol increases inflammation, contributing to irregular heartbeat and possible damage to the arteries.

Improved Blood Sugar and Diabetes

Many clients have been surprised when they learned how seriously alcohol can impact blood sugar levels and diabetes. Drinking alcohol leads to a series of spikes and crashes, especially when mixed in sugary cocktails.

Alcohol addiction affects the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes. When you quit alcohol and lose weight, you may regain control over your own health.

Lower Cholesterol Levels

With extended use, alcohol affects your cholesterol levels. Your liver and pancreas are vital in how the body processes fats and cholesterol. When you drink excessively, the digestive organs become overloaded and are unable to process fats efficiently. This connects to how your body reduces LDL (bad cholesterol) and supports HDL (good cholesterol), promoting a healthy heart.

Better Hydration

Alcohol is a diuretic that leads to dehydration. You’ll be better hydrated when you stop drinking alcohol, which has a positive impact on every system in your body. You’ll notice clearer skin, fewer headaches, and better joint comfort. You might also have more energy when you’re better hydrated.

Improved Immune System

Alcohol slows your body’s immune response, making you more likely to catch colds or bacterial infections. After stopping alcohol consumption, your immune system will rebuild. You’ll feel healthier, recover from injuries or infections faster, and be better equipped to fight the flu season.

Lower Your Stress and Worry

Some clients started drinking alcohol to relieve stress, but the relief it provides is short-lived. Once clients have quit, they find their anxiety and stress easier to manage. They eliminate the rollercoaster ride of alcohol addiction and gain emotional balance and a more positive perspective.

Better Sleep Means Mental Clarity

Alcohol consumption disrupts your sleep cycles, particularly rapid eye movement (REM) and slow-wave sleep, the deep sleep stages that support emotional regulation, memory, and physical energy. When you stop drinking alcohol, your sleep becomes more restful. The brain gets the rest it needs to provide you with better focus and decision-making.

Less Heartburn and Indigestion

Alcohol irritates the stomach lining and loosens up the valve that keeps acid from rising into the esophagus, a situation that leads to acid reflux. It can also slow digestion, causing bloating and discomfort. Stopping alcohol intake leads to better digestion and overall gut health. Most clients report feeling greater comfort after meals without drinking.

The Alcohol Addiction Recovery Journey Starts by Calling Us for Insurance Verification

The admissions department at Catalina utilizes an effective insurance verification process, which helps clients access the necessary treatment while also saving money.

The insurance companies have historically been reluctant to authorize mental health benefits; leave that entire process to our experts to ensure minimal out-of-pocket costs. We work with most major insurers and will work hard to help you get the treatment you deserve – affordably.

You Deserve Sobriety Today – Call Catalina for Support

You may have noticed some health issues – blood pressure, indigestion, or others – and suspected they resulted from drinking. Alcohol use disorder often means carrying extra weight, which can contribute to those problems. When you stop drinking, you can stop some of these health issues and feel better again, within about a week after stopping.

Our team of treatment professionals will assess your treatment needs and construct an evidence-based treatment plan tailored to your recovery goals. You’ll work with licensed counselors to address the drinking and face any underlying causes of the alcohol abuse (often trauma or a mental illness).

Call us today for support – you deserve a fresh start.

When you think of neurodivergence, or atypical brain function, you probably think of autism spectrum disorders, dyslexia, or an ADHD diagnosis. But is addiction neurodivergent? Not officially. Neurodiversity and addiction share some similarities, and researchers are looking into overlaps that may one day group substance use disorders as part of the neurodivergent spectrum disorder.

For now, though, substance abuse and neurodivergence are treated as closely related but separate disorders.

At Catalina Behavioral Health in Tucson, Arizona, we provide clients with an addiction treatment team that offers support for all substance use disorders and dual diagnosis conditions. The compassionate team at our JCAHO-accredited facility gives their full commitment to helping all overcome addictive behavior, neurodivergent person or not.

If you or a loved one is facing mental health issues, including substance use-related problems, perhaps worsened by neurodivergent conditions, we can help. This page will explain how we can help neurotypical people manage their mental health conditions and overcome drug or alcohol use disorders.

What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent?

Neurodivergence comes from natural variations in the human brain, affecting how people process information and relate to the world around them. Of course, autistic individuals are best-known example of this. But besides autism spectrum disorder, neurodivergent individuals can include those with:

• Dyslexia
• Dyscalculia
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD symptoms)
• Tourette Syndrome

Autistic people and others on the neurodivergent spectrum have executive dysfunction; substance abuse can make issues with impulse control, attention and focus, and emotional dysregulation even worse.

How Addiction Impacts the Brain and Executive Function

Addiction to drugs and alcohol can alter the brain’s chemistry and structure, especially in the areas of executive function.

Those brain regions support self-control, decision-making, and emotions. Repeated drinking or using other substances changes the brain’s reward system and makes it more difficult to resist cravings.

Neurodiverse People Might Be More Vulnerable to Addiction

Neuro-atypical individuals may become dependent on alcohol or drugs more readily than the general population. Their unique brains place them at an increased risk of using recreational drugs as self-medication to mask social anxiety, sensory overload, or a lack of coping skills.

ASD Symptoms and the Risk of Developing SUD

A diagnosis of autism can mean several social and emotional challenges that lead to increased risk factors for addictive behaviors.

For example, individuals diagnosed with ADHD or ASD may have more difficulty in communicating with others than their non-ADHD or non-autistic peers. Or, they may have uncomfortable, unwanted symptoms that lead to becoming easily distracted; they may view using drugs as an effective treatment in reducing sensory overload.

Linking an ADHD Diagnosis and Substance Use Disorders

ADHD strongly links to having an SUD diagnosis. A 2023 study by Bournemouth University showed that people with ADHD tend to be more impulsive than others. From their online behavioral addictions to drinking and drug use, their brains gravitate toward instant rewards.

Without receiving a proper diagnosis and treatment for both the ADHD and the substance use, the debilitating symptoms continue to become harder to manage. People struggle start feeling overwhelmed, causing a higher risk of future addictive behavior.

Dual Diagnosis Requires Comprehensive Mental Health Care

Dual diagnoses refers to those with a substance or alcohol use disorder having a second mental health condition. The other mental health disorder can be:

• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Eating disorders
• Personality disorders

These present differently based on individual factors. A common thread is using alcohol, depressants, or stimulant medication to self-medicate, which provides short-term relieve for their symptoms.

Managing Co-occurring Conditions for Life

Many neurodivergent people live with co-occurring conditions like substance or alcohol abuse. These complications make recovery from substance use even harder than in their peers without autism.

Treating neurodiversity and addiction to achieve a more balanced life will also mean structuring coping tools around their learning differences.

Because of the strong relationship between neurodivergent people and bullying, autistic people and those with ADHD may also face factors like depression, anxiety, or trauma. We help them discover how they can create a safe space for healing and equip them with coping tools that address their unique risk factors.

Coping Strategies for Overlapping Drug/Alcohol Use Disorder and Neurodivergence

Our therapists help neurodivergent individuals gain the tools they need for addiction treatment and beyond clients at Catalina Behavioral Health learn how to:

• Engage in creating structured daily routines that work for them – during therapy and after leaving their treatment program
• Manage sensory experiences through deep breathing techniques, mindfulness meditation, and yoga
• Continue improving communication skills
• Form a support network of safe people to rely on after addiction treatment
• Find and engage with post-treatment community resources, including SMART Recovery, AA, or NA

Mastering these coping strategies can provide immediate relief from the triggers that lead to alcohol or drug abuse.

Beyond that, these techniques can help reduce the break the strands connecting neurodiversity and addiction to help people with lasting recovery.

Early Intervention for Neurodivergent Individuals

Early intervention helps avoid the need for addiction treatment through awareness campaigns before they develop substance use disorders. The connection between neurodiversity and addiction is clear.

When family members or friends see the signs of addiction, they should respond right away and offer the appropriate support. That can mean discussing concerns using non-judgmental, clear language, encouraging the person to get professional help for the addiction, or offering to lend an ear when they’re having a bad day. Even small gestures of support can be meaningful and make a difference.

The most effective early intervention depends on the person’s needs. Watch for these signs of increased SUD risk in people with ADHD, autism, and other neurodivergent conditions:

• Social isolation
• Engaging in risky behaviors
• Self-medicating sensory issues
• Starting use of recreational substances
• Mild to moderate depression or anxiety

These behaviors can be the first warnings when something’s amiss in your neurodivergent loved one.

Effective Addiction Treatment for Neurodivergent People

Catalina Behavioral Health believes in providing holistic treatment to meet the needs of each person who receives care at our addiction treatment facility.

Our clients have entrusted us with their mental well-being because we provide:

• Individualized care plans that matches each person’s needs. For autistic people, we also pay close attention to meeting their sensory needs.
• Neurodiversity-affirming therapy is delivered by skilled professionals who understand the connection between neurodiversity and addiction.
• Integrated mental health support to address co-occurring needs; we focus on both addiction and treatment of root causes.
• Adaptive communication supports, using visual aids or simplified language to communicate well with people with ADHD, dyslexia, or other neurodivergence.
• Proper levels of care, with inpatient services available to those in need of the most critical care and outpatient treatment options for those with good daily functioning.
• Evidence-based therapies, including individual, family, and group therapy, using proven strategies to break addiction.
• Predictable daily routines, which helps people with ADHD or other neurodiversities stay focused on therapy throughout the day.
• Insurance verification services, allowing us to ensure each client gets the appropriate treatments approved for their addiction, ADHD, or co-occurring disorders

Call Catalina for Comprehensive Addiction Care Programs Today

It is hard to end a drug and alcohol addiction, perhaps even more so for neurodivergent individuals. An addiction alongside ADHD or autism requires a thoughtful, well-planned addiction treatment plan – one like you will find at Catalina Behavioral Health.

Whether addiction should be classified as neurodivergent or not remains a topic that’s been almost endlessly researched and debated. Don’t wait for the researchers to put a fine point on their decision – the time to reach out and get the comprehensive care you need is right now.

Call our admissions office today; you’ll learn how you can overcome your addiction and better manage your ADHD or autism symptoms.

To put it bluntly, Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a complex mental health condition. And when a well-known, public-facing person opens up about their own struggles, it can help those going through similar challenges shed the stigma and express themselves, too.

Many celebrities, including a select number of borderline personality disorder celebrities, have shared their experiences to help reduce stigma and show that even individuals in the spotlight are affected by this mental health condition.

Witnessing famous people navigate public struggles with mental illness can increase mental health awareness. Seeing public figures seek treatment may also make it less daunting to find support for yourself. Fame can exacerbate BPD symptoms due to the pressure of maintaining a public image and the scrutiny of personal lives.

Many celebrities openly discuss their BPD diagnoses to challenge stigma and advocate for mental health awareness.

Catalina Behavioral Health in Tucson treats BPD and other mental disorders. As a top-rated mental health and addiction treatment center in Arizona, we are here to help you or your loved one with BPD heal. So, what should you know?

First, let’s talk about seven famous people with BPD. Then, we’ll go over common signs of BPD and how treatment can help.

9 Famous People With Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)

Here are nine famous people with a BPD diagnosis.

American Actor and Comedian Pete Davidson

Seen on Saturday Night Live, Pete Davidson is one of the most well-known individuals with BPD. He was diagnosed with BPD at age 23 after a long history of unexplained symptoms.

The actor and comedian, seen on Saturday Night Live, has also been open about trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and drug use.

NFL Receiver Brandon Marshall

Brandon Marshall is an American former professional football player who played as a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons, including notable stints with the Chicago Bears and New York Jets. He also spent significant time with the New York Jets during his NFL career. Diagnosed with BPD in 2011, Marshall has become an advocate for mental health awareness.

He founded Project 375, a non-profit organization aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues, particularly borderline personality disorder, and to fight discrimination against people with mental health challenges. Through his advocacy, Marshall has worked to address mental health challenges and promote the importance of seeking professional help and therapy.

Singer Nessa Barrett

Singer Nessa Barrett has been open about living with BPD. She has talked about mental health extensively, raising awareness not just for BPD but for eating disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

Comedian Doug Ferrari

Comedian Doug Ferrari has been open about his BPD diagnosis for what is now over two decades. After enduring extensive mental health battles, which involved substance abuse and a period of homelessness, he was able to get sober and start doing regular comedy shows again.

Actress Madison Bailey

Actress Madison Bailey is most known for her role in the television drama series Outer Banks. Bailey was diagnosed with BPD at a young age. The now 25-year-old actress has since discussed the condition on platforms such as Entertainment Tonight.

Actress Julia Fox

Julia Fox was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder as a teenager. Consistent with many people who have BPD, she has also faced substance abuse, surviving a drug overdose at age 17.

Singer-Songwriter Janet Devlin

Janet Devlin is an Irish singer-songwriter. Known for her rise to fame on the show X Factor in 2011, Devlin has spoken up about her experience with borderline personality disorder, substance abuse, and bipolar disorder on her YouTube channel.

Author and Advocate Courtney Cook

Courtney Cook wrote “The Way She Feels: My Life on the Borderline in Pictures + Pieces.” The graphic novel portrays her experiences with BPD. Cook has spoken at events hosted by organizations like McLean Hospital, The Josselyn Center, and the 501(c)(3) nonprofit Emotions Matter.

Author Stacy Pershall

Author Stacy Pershall released the book “Loud in the House of Myself” in 2010. The book details her experience with BPD, eating disorders, self-harm, and recovery. Today, Perhsall is a speaker, teacher, and student.

The Common Symptoms of BPD for Most People

CCharacterized by intense emotions, mood swings, and unstable relationships, borderline personality disorder can cause a great deal of emotional pain.

Developing a greater understanding of BPD can help you understand yourself better and pursue treatment.

Common symptoms of BPD include:

• Impulsive behaviors (e.g., reckless driving, unsafe sex, gambling, binge eating, excessive spending or shopping sprees, and substance use).
• Fleeting paranoid thoughts, feeling “unreal,” or feeling detached from the world.
• Patterns of unstable and intense interpersonal relationships.
• Extreme efforts to avoid real or perceived abandonment.
• Distorted self-image or sense of self.
• Chronic feelings of emptiness.
• Temporary paranoid thoughts.
• Recurrent suicidal behavior.
• Intense, inappropriate anger.
• Rapid mood swings.

Many individuals with BPD experience intense episodes of depression, anxiety, or anger that can last from a few hours to several days. Depression and manic depression (bipolar disorder) can also co-occur with BPD, making diagnosis and treatment more complex.

BPD recovery is possible. Many people who seek help for BPD reach a point where they no longer meet the criteria for the disorder.

Getting a BPD Diagnosis

Borderline personality disorder is diagnosed using the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). During the diagnostic process, a provider will discuss your personal history with you in depth. They may ask questions like:

• What are your current symptoms?
• How long have you experienced them for?
• Have you been through any traumatic events?

Catalina Behavioral Health provides comprehensive intake assessments for incoming clients. Whether you do or do not have an official diagnosis yet, the Catalina Behavioral Health team can help you start your healing journey now.

The Difficulties of Diagnosing BPD and Potential for Misdiagnosis

Since BPD symptoms can overlap with those of other mental health issues, providers diagnosing the condition must work to rule out other causes. An accurate diagnosis helps you get proper treatment. This matters because BPD is often misdiagnosed at first.

For example, it’s not uncommon that people who actually have BPD first get diagnosed with another condition, like bipolar disorder.

BPD can also co-occur with other mental health struggles, making it more challenging to detect the condition at times. The presence of multiple mental health challenges can make diagnosing BPD even more complex.

What Treatments Work for BPD Symptoms?

Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) is one of the most popular treatments for BPD. In research, DBT has been shown to reduce the severity of BPD symptoms, such as thoughts of suicide or suicidal ideation and self-harm.

Alongside other goals, DBT teaches skills you can use to regulate emotions and navigate personal relationships.

BPD is a treatable condition, and many individuals go on to lead healthy and normal lives.

Other treatments can be helpful, too. For example:

• Mentalization-based treatment.
• Transference-focused psychotherapy.
• Schema therapy.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which can also be effective in treating BPD.

Support groups can provide support, emotional insight, and a sense of community for individuals with BPD.

Inpatient Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Our inpatient mental health treatment program usually lasts for around 30-60 days. Residential inpatient treatment for borderline personality disorder is highly structured. You can expect to participate in a full daily schedule of group therapy, individual therapy, and other activities.

Therapy sessions promote in-depth healing work, whereas other activities, such as recreation and outings, facilitate enjoyment and the development of life skills.

Outpatient Treatment for Borderline Personality Disorder

Catalina Behavioral Health offers several levels of outpatient care for BPD and other mental health issues. These include our partial hospitalization program (PHP) and intensive outpatient program (IOP).

In some cases, outpatient programs for BPD can be an alternative to inpatient treatment. In others, they are recommended as a transitional step following an inpatient program.

Call Catalina for Comprehensive BPD Treatment in Tucson, AZ

Public figures have the distinct ability to spread awareness about mental health concerns like BPD on a large scale–and, more importantly, why seeking help matters. This is crucial, as mental health disorders can feel isolating for the person experiencing them.

Catalina Behavioral Health is an accredited treatment center in Tucson, AZ. Our team of experts is here to ensure that you receive the compassionate, understanding care you deserve.

To learn more about our programs, call our caring team at Catalina today. All calls are confidential, so when you get in touch, we can verify your insurance coverage for treatment, answer your questions, or begin the admissions process.

FAQs About Famous People With Borderline Personality Disorder

How common is BPD?

Statistics vary. It’s estimated that about 1.4% of the United States adult population has BPD.

What causes BPD?

Most people with BPD have had traumatic life experiences, leading to the development of the disorder. Treating underlying trauma, when applicable, is crucial. Genetics and differences in brain structure or functioning also influence your risk.

Did Lady Diana have BPD?

Lady Diana was never diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. That said, many people speculate that she may have met the criteria for the condition.

What does high functioning BPD look like?

Also called quiet BPD, people with high-functioning BPD tend to internalize their symptoms. Since symptoms are directed inward, they’re often less noticeable to others. Having high-functioning BPD does not mean that you don’t need help.

Did Amy Winehouse have BPD?

Amy Winehouse was not officially diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. However, her struggles with substance abuse and bulimia are well-known.

Can other mental disorders go with BPD?

Yes. In fact, it’s very common for people with BPD to have one or more additional mental health disorders. For example:

• Eating disorders.
• Substance abuse.
• Mood disorders.
• PTSD.
• Anxiety disorders.

When this is the case, getting treatment for both is ideal. At Catalina Behavioral Health, we provide co-occurring disorder treatment for people with more than one mental health concern.

How does BPD affect interpersonal relationships?

People with borderline personality disorder often experience volatile relationships due to intense mood swings, emotional dysregulation, and fear of abandonment. These challenges can lead to failed relationships and difficulty maintaining healthy relationships. Emotional instability and difficulty regulating emotions often contribute to interpersonal turmoil.

What role does social anxiety disorder play in BPD?

Social anxiety disorder can co-occur with borderline personality disorder, intensifying feelings of emotional turmoil and fear of judgment. This combination can make it harder for a person to engage in social situations and maintain personal relationships, further complicating emotional regulation and self-identity.

How can people with BPD achieve personal growth and emotional regulation?

Receiving treatment, such as dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), provides practical guidance to help individuals with BPD manage intense mood swings and emotional dysregulation. Support groups and therapy encourage personal growth by teaching skills for healthy relationships and coping with emotional pain.

References

1. https://www.psychiatry.org/News-room/APA-Blogs/What-is-Borderline-Personality-Disorder
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK55415/
3. https://www.apa.org/monitor/2025/04-05/treating-borderline-personality
4. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6007584/
5. https://www.nami.org/advocate/why-borderline-personality-disorder-is-misdiagnosed/
6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430883/
7. https://www.nami.org/About-Mental-Illness/Mental-Health-Conditions/Borderline-Personality-Disorder/

If you are enabling addicts, quotes about addiction recovery can help you put things in perspective and help you make the changes needed to protect your own well-being. Substance abuse impacts more than the person engaging in drug abuse or alcohol addiction. It can impact the mental health of loved ones, family members, and close friends – the enablers.

A Joint Commission-accredited recovery center like Catalina Behavioral Health can help a recovering person get the help they need. But your friend is better off in the long run when you learn to stop enabling their behaviors.

Our addiction recovery quotes can inspire you to make the changes you need to be a stronger support system for your loved one without enabling.

16 Drug Addiction Recovery Quotes to Avoid Enabling Family Members

These quotes can help you reflect and make changes. When you stop enabling, you will be better able to encourage your special person to enter a substance use disorder treatment program.

1) “What lies behind you and what lies in front of you, pales in comparison to what lies inside of you.” Ralph Waldo Emerson

Emerson’s words remind us that we find our true inner strength and resilience when we dig deep within. Recovery means focusing on internal growth during the recovery journey. This quote encourages honest self-reflection as the person works to seek inner truth in rehab.

2) “What is addiction, really? It is a sign, a signal, a symptom of distress. It is a language that tells us about a plight that must be understood.” Alice Miller

Miller’s quote discusses addiction as a distress signal being broadcast to the world. Understanding this can help family and friends provide compassionate support without enabling.

Remembering this can be crucial to helping those take those steps to lasting recovery and help prevent a relapse after treatment.

3) “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right.” Henry Ford

Ford discusses the power of a positive mindset in recovery. Encouraging belief in one’s ability to heal helps them believe they can start a new life. Those who support them can reinforce hope rather than express doubt.

4) “The secret of getting ahead is getting started.” Mark Twain

Twain’s wisdom reminds us that recovery begins when someone finds the inner courage to take a single step toward overcoming substance abuse. Overcoming the early hesitation and making small changes underpin progress.

5) “A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” Chinese Proverb

Chinese wisdom explains the importance of persistence in recovery. The first step, asking for help, is the foundation for long-term healing.

6) “Addiction’s not about placating the bad dog—it’s about feeding the good dog.” Robert Downey Jr.

Downey Jr. suggests the importance of focusing on positive habits rather than merely resisting harmful ones. Showing support without enabling can encourage healthy coping mechanisms and offer relief from addiction.

7) “Fall down seven times, get up eight.” Japanese Proverb

This proverb shows how drug addiction recovery isn’t linear. Setbacks can – and often do – happen, but the key is getting back up afterward.

8) “If you can quit for a day, you can quit for a lifetime.” Benjamin Alire Sáenz

Sáenz’s quote shows how consistency helps create lasting changes. Each sober day is proof of possibility, and loved ones can frame restored mental wellness as small, achievable victories.

9) “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” Mahatma Gandhi

This wisdom from Gandhi reminds us that service and purpose can be powerful in recovery. With drugs, the pleasure gradually diminishes. But serving others is just a way of reclaiming control and lasting gratitude.

10) “In all codependent relationships, the rescuer needs the victim as much as the victim needs the rescuer.” Barbara De Angelis

De Angelis warns families and enablers about the dangers of codependency.

It’s helpful to know that setting boundaries means allowing addicts to take responsibility for their own healing instead of always stepping in to rescue them.

11) “The only person who cannot be helped is that person who blames others.” Carl Rogers

People facing mental health challenges, including dual diagnosis, may not like accepting responsibility for their behaviors.

Anyone with drug or alcohol use behaviors get a much-needed nudge when families stop serving as the scapegoat for their loved one.

12) “Practicing self-care isn’t selfish; it’s essential to your well-being.” Unknown

The entire process of dealing with addiction in the family, from the initial drug seeking behaviors until getting help, can be exhausting to loved ones. Taking care of yourself is more than helping you feel good; it’s also a good way to stay strong.

13) “You can overcome the things that are done to you, but you cannot escape the things that are part of you.” Megan K. Stack

Some behaviors come from trauma, past events too awful for the brain to process. While you cannot move backward in time to regain control of the past, people in therapy learn to make the trauma less controlling over their lives.

14) “One of the hardest things was learning that I was worth recovery.” Demi Lovato

Lovato has famously dealt with several mental health issues and has openly shared about her life. This quote describes how addicts must accept they’re worth saving – a sentiment you can reinforce without enabling the behaviors.

15) “First you take a drink, then the drink takes a drink, then the drink takes you.” F. Scott Fitzgerald

Fitzgerald struggled with alcohol use. He understood how the associated behaviors can compound, leading to a continuously worsening condition.

Helping your loved one understand this without enabling can be a tricky task. But it’s one worth considering.

16) “I understood, through rehab, things about creating characters. I understood that creating whole people means knowing where we come from, how we can make a mistake and how we overcome things to make ourselves stronger.” Samuel L. Jackson

Jackson was able to use his rehabilitation experiences to pour into his work. Following his advice offers a pathway to self-awareness that’s rare for an addict. But you can weigh whether the information he shares can help you with your enabling behaviors.

Why It’s Important to Avoid Enabling the Recovering Addict

Enabling behaviors often come from a place of love. But those good intentions can really just prolong a person’s drug addiction by providing the person facing challenges with a safety net that enables the destructive cycle.

It’s especially common to see this situation occur in parents of adult children, who have learned their folks will come through no matter what. They use that information to manipulate and get their way.

It can feel cruel, at first, to set and enforce boundaries to avoid enabling. However, you encourage accountability and self-sufficiency for the struggling person when you choose to make stronger boundaries.

Helping your loved one actually takes stepping back from behaviors that shield them from reality. Instead, you’ll start guiding them toward professional treatment and sustainable recovery.

Using Inspirational Quotes to Support Yourself and Your Loved One

Choosing drug addiction quotes to read every day can help you overcome all the challenges that come your way during your loved one’s recovery. They can provide you with motivation as you overcome the pain of loving someone with mental illnesses and addiction diseases.

As you continue to advocate for getting professional addiction treatment, you’ll read words that offer hope that the person struggling will continue to more in the right direction.

If your loved one feels ready to face their addiction, call Catalina today.

Panic set in every time I climbed into the car after my accident, no matter who was driving. Jaw clenched and eyes peeled, I stayed hyper-vigilant for any sign of danger. Racing cars on the freeway would cause my heart to race and my palms to sweat. I’ve even pulled over and gotten physically ill on the side of the highway. 

It took months for me to get behind the wheel again and even longer before I felt safe in the car, no matter who was driving. It was hard to break away from that constant vigilance. I found myself wondering how to get out of survival mode after trauma and worrying that I’d never heal. 

This collection of effective strategies is a great place to start. And, if you need more help, don’t hesitate to contact Catalina Behavioral Health. 

What is Survival Mode? 

The panic that sets in immediately following a traumatic event is normal. When this panic doesn’t go away, however, it can indicate you are living in survival mode. Long after stressful situations have passed, you find yourself hyper-aware – muscles tense, heart racing, and in a state of panic. 

Your body stops essential functions, leading to physical problems, and you may have trouble sleeping. You stop living for enjoyment and only live to survive. This is the reality of survival mode. 

Unfortunately, survival mode doesn’t always pass on its own. To truly heal, you’ll need coping strategies and the right support. 

Survival Mode and Chronic Stress

The constant worry that accompanies survival mode causes chronic stress. Physical symptoms including high blood pressure, a weakened immune system, problems sleeping, and digestive issues are common in chronically stressed people.

Chronic stress also has emotional impacts including memory problems, irritability, difficulty concentrating, anxiety, and depression. 

How to Stop Living in Survival Mode

Feeling constantly on edge, always ready to respond, is no way to live. In addition to being uncomfortable, survival mode symptoms impact your ability to live your life. You might be less inclined to spend time with friends, do things outside of work, or make time for what you enjoy. 

Anyone who has been stuck in survival mode knows that it’s exhausting. It takes a toll on your well-being and impacts daily functioning.

Try these healthy coping mechanisms to reduce prolonged stress and stop your trauma from controlling your life. 

Limit Exposure (When Possible)

For me, it felt impossible to avoid the panic that set in when I had to travel somewhere. Some days, I even walked 40 minutes to get to my therapist instead of taking the ten-minute drive because I couldn’t stand the thought of getting behind the wheel. 

While you can’t avoid your triggers forever, it can help to limit exposure as you are learning coping strategies for overcoming them. This might involve setting boundaries with people in your life, limiting media consumption, or avoiding certain situations. 

Get the Right Kind of Support

When I first struggled with nervous system regulation, I isolated myself from the people around me. Even being surrounded by loving people who wanted to help, I was embarrassed that something like getting in a car could affect me so much. 

With the right support, you won’t feel embarrassed. Catalina can connect you with a trauma-informed therapist who can make you feel comfortable sharing your experiences. 

Professional Support and Mental Health Treatment

I don’t think I would have been able to drive again, much less feel safe, without the help I received from my counselor. Talk therapy helped me discuss what happened to me, giving it less power. We worked on a plan that gradually made me comfortable behind the wheel again. I also worked with a psychiatrist to find a medication that relieved my anxiety and helped me sleep. 

Trauma treatment doesn’t look the same for everyone. Common therapeutic approaches for post-traumatic stress disorder following a traumatic event and related conditions include trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, prolonged exposure therapy, and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. 

Seeking professional help can also help with understanding survival mode. With the right evidence-based therapies, you’ll learn to break free from negative thinking patterns that often accompany surviving trauma. 

Finding Support from Friends and Loved Ones

Strained relationships are common following trauma, especially if you aren’t sharing what you’ve been through. Some people withdraw from the people who love them before giving them a chance to help. 

This stems from feelings of being misunderstood, embarrassed, or ashamed. The people around you will love you regardless of what happened and you have nothing to be ashamed of. Give them a chance to show support and compassion. 

Support Groups

Group counseling can be a safe haven and real gift for trauma survivors, as it is a safe place to talk among people who have been through their own struggles. Many are likely living in survival mode like you. Talking can provide insight into coping skills and things they still struggle with. 

Learn Coping Skills to Calm the Central Nervous System 

Living outside of survival mode following trauma starts with learning to regulate your autonomic nervous system. Relaxation techniques are helpful for stress management and induce a state of calm. 

A therapist can guide you in practicing these and other relaxation techniques when you are not panicking. With practice, it will become easier to induce a state of calm when you recognize you are stuck in survival mode. 

Deep Breathing 

During early practice, try lying down or sitting with your hand on your stomach. Breathe through your nose, hold that breath, then exhale. Some people use a 4-second inhale, 4-second hold, and 4-second exhale, while others exhale for longer than they inhale. Repeat this until you start to calm down. 

Grounding Exercises 

Grounding involves centering yourself in the current moment, turning your focus away from the inner panic you might feel.

For example, you might look around and try to name five things you see that are red or blue. Some people center themselves through activities like squeezing a stress ball or chewing a piece of gum. 

Our resource with dissociation grounding exercises offers more options as well.

Meditation 

During meditation, the goal is to clear your mind. Start by breathing deeply. It can help to have a mantra or word that you focus on. For example, “calm”. Say “calm” in your head, trying to focus only on that word and the way that your breaths fill your lungs and then exit your body. 

If you do find your thoughts wandering, don’t overanalyze or judge them. Instead, return your focus to your breaths and continue repeating your mantra. 

Progressive Muscle Relaxation

I like to start progressive muscle relaxation on my toes. Take deep breaths and focus on intentionally relaxing muscle tension in your toes, then your feet, and slowly up your legs. Continue up to your abdomen, chest, fingers, arms, and head, moving in sections. 

Other Coping Mechanisms to Overcome Survival Mode

Outside of learning to regulate the central nervous system following a stress response, healthy habits improve mental wellness and support the healing process. 

Practice Mindfulness

When you practice mindfulness, you are present in what you are doing instead of worried about anxieties or what may happen. Be completely engaged. During a walk in nature, you might look and listen for animals, hear your feet on the ground, and see leaves blowing through the trees. Tune into the human experience. 

Prioritize Self-Care and Physical Wellness

Sometimes, healing from trauma or mental health issues starts with caring for your physical body. Add self-care activities like positive affirmation or self-talk when you are brushing your teeth.

Make time for daily hygiene and be sure you are getting enough sleep. Proper nutrition, hydration, and physical activity also support physical and mental health. 

Practice Self-Compassion

No matter what you experienced that caused you to live in survival mode, it wasn’t your fault. Many trauma survivors experience shame or guilt. For example, you may blame yourself for being at the location where the traumatic event happened, even though you had no way of knowing. Realistically, fear should not dictate your life. 

Develop self-awareness of how these negative thoughts influence your stress response. Be as compassionate to yourself as you would a friend. You would never tell a friend it was their fault for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Through self-compassion, you can start to heal from what happened and shake off negative, unhelpful thoughts. 

Do Activities You Enjoy

When you are surviving after trauma, you are not living. Think back to the last time that you did something you enjoyed. It’s been too long, hasn’t it? 

Make time to sit and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea in the morning. Get together with a friend, make art, get out in nature, and do the things you love. Life is too short to let trauma stop you from leading a fulfilling life. 

Set aside time for what you love and commit to it. Even if you feel panicked when it’s time, do pleasurable activities anyway. 

Regain Control of Your Life at Catalina Behavioral Health

Whether you’ve recently experienced trauma or need help overcoming past trauma, you’ll find support at Catalina Behavioral Health. Don’t accept that constant stress is living. Instead, reach out for support, learn coping strategies to heal, and reclaim your life.  

At Catalina, you’ll work with a team of dedicated individuals who have the single goal of helping you accomplish more than just surviving daily life. You can thrive again.

Call us today to find out how our team can support you through this tough period. Healing is possible, especially with proper help! 

References

1. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/treatments

Probation alcohol testing is not identical in every case. The rules can depend on the offense, your written probation terms, local court practices, and the type of supervision you are under.

This article is for general educational purposes only and is not legal advice. If your paperwork is unclear, ask your probation officer or attorney.

If alcohol use is making compliance harder, treatment may help you stabilize your recovery

Drug and Alcohol Testing: What Are You Screened For?

Many people who are caught in the legal system will be subject to random testing to ensure that they comply with the terms of their probation. The necessity of abstaining from drug use is clear, but there may be a thornier issue when it comes to alcohol testing.

Alcohol isn’t an illegal substance. As long as you’re over the age of 21, there are no reasons why you can’t have a drink from time to time. But how will your probation officer feel about substance abuse, even if it is technically legal?

Here’s what you should know about your drug and alcohol testing as part of your probation conditions.

Will Court Ordered Drug Testing Include Alcohol?

Alcohol testing may be included, but it is not universal.

Some supervision terms prohibit any alcohol use, some focus on excessive use, and some programs use specific testing requirements based on the case.

Review the exact language of your conditions rather than assuming every probation program handles alcohol the same way.”

EtG Testing for Alcohol and Drugs

EtG testing looks for a metabolite of alcohol in urine. It is different from breath or blood alcohol testing, which are generally used to assess current or very recent alcohol exposure.

Depending on the cutoff used, the amount consumed, and individual factors, urine EtG may detect recent drinking for a longer period than direct ethanol testing, but it does not precisely show how much someone drank

How does it work?

EtG testing can test for alcohol metabolites in the urine, specifically looking for ethyl glucuronide. The metabolites are present well after the alcohol has left the body, which means that your probation officer can see a bigger picture of your substance use. In fact, they are able to see alcohol consumption up to five days after your last drink.

Your EtG testing might show alcohol has a slightly longer detection window depending on how quickly your body metabolizes alcohol and how much you have to drink. If you are a slow metabolizer or have several drinks, it could show up for longer.

Urine Test Results for Alcohol

Direct ethanol testing in urine usually reflects a relatively short detection window, while EtG testing can sometimes detect recent drinking for longer.

Because windows vary by test type, cutoff, and individual circumstances, it is safer not to rely on timing assumptions if your supervision terms prohibit alcohol.

Hair Follicle Drug Testing: Does It Show Alcohol?

Hair alcohol-marker testing is a longer-window method, but it should not be described as a simple yes-or-no test for a single recent drink.

Interpretation depends on the part of the sample tested, the lab method used, and the pattern of alcohol exposure being evaluated.

In clinical and forensic settings, hair markers are commonly used to assess alcohol use over time rather than immediate intoxication

Blood Alcohol Concentration: What’s an Acceptable Level?

https://catalinabehavioralhealth.com/addiction-treatment/dui-rehab/If your supervision follows a DUI or alcohol-related case, the relevant alcohol limits and sanctions may depend on state law, your sentence, and any abstinence or ignition-interlock requirements that apply to you.

Follow the exact language in your court order rather than assuming one BAC number applies to every probation case.”

When Will The Random Testing Monitoring System Call You?

Some probation or monitoring programs use random call-in or color-code systems, while others use different scheduling and notification methods.

The process you must follow depends on the rules of the court, probation office, or testing program handling your case.”

What If You Take Prescribed or Other Drugs?

If you take prescription medication, follow the reporting rules that apply to your case and keep documentation available if requested.

Screening tests can occasionally be affected by medications or other substances, which is why unexpected results are often reviewed with confirmatory testing and a legitimate medical explanation

Meet Drug Testing Requirements with Catalina’s Help

If staying sober while on probation has become difficult, treatment may help you build structure, support, and relapse-prevention skills.

Catalina Behavioral Health can explain your treatment options, discuss next steps confidentially, and help verify your insurance benefits. Coverage varies by plan and level of care.

References:

• Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. (n.d.). Chapter 3: Substance abuse treatment, testing, and abstinence (Probation and supervised release conditions).
• ARUP Consult. (2024, August). Alcohol use biomarkers.
• Hadland, S. E., & Levy, S. (2016). Objective testing: Urine and other drug tests. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 25(3), 549–565. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chc.2016.02.005
• Kintz, P. (2015). 2014 consensus for the use of alcohol markers in hair for assessment of both abstinence and chronic excessive alcohol consumption. Forensic Science International, 249, A1–A2. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.forsciint.2014.11.001
• McDonell, M. G., Skalisky, J., Leickly, E., McPherson, S., Battalio, S., Nepom, J. R., Srebnik, D., Roll, J., & Ries, R. K. (2015). Using ethyl glucuronide in urine to detect light and heavy drinking in alcohol-dependent outpatients. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 157, 184–187. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2015.10.004
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2023, April 24). Mental health treatment: What does health insurance cover?
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2024, September 9). Frequently asked questions about federal workplace drug testing.
• United States Probation and Pretrial Services, District of Arizona. (n.d.). Conditions of supervision.
• Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. (n.d.). Mental health & substance abuse coverage.
• Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. (2006). Appendix B. Urine collection and testing procedures and alternative methods for monitoring drug use. In Substance abuse: Clinical issues in intensive outpatient treatment (Treatment Improvement Protocol [TIP] Series, No. 47). Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

Clients often describe coping with emotions in recovery as a roller coaster ride. Substance use disorder is full of breathtaking peaks, anticipation, and intense feelings during the drop to the bottom.

Fortunately, emotional regulation can be part of this story, with evidence-based treatment helping one regain steady footing once they’ve had enough of the ride.

Catalina Behavioral Health is one of Arizona’s top destinations for addiction treatment. Our Joint Commission-accredited mental health treatment center is located in Tucson and can help effectively manage addiction and related emotional difficulties.

A successful recovery process means learning to replace negative emotions with positive thoughts. This article will provide a free PDF cognitive behavioral therapy worksheet. It addresses several proven coping strategies to achieve emotional balance while recovering from substance abuse.

Managing Emotions During Addiction Treatment

First, let’s congratulate you on deciding to address your substance use disorder (SUD). As you make leaps and bounds toward sobriety, you’ll need to reinforce your new positive behaviors while sending old, negative thought patterns to the ash heap of history.

Handling Difficult Emotions During Recovery in a Healthy Way PDF

Our worksheet contains journal prompts that help you examine emotional problems experienced during recovery objectively and then write about them. You can even look at our resources on what handwriting can signify for additional insights!

Each prompt challenges you to look at a negative thought or roadblock and turn those thought processes toward positive thinking for better managing emotions.

We’ll talk about each of the prompts and follow an anonymized client in recovery, ‘Rachel,’ a 24-year-old who started struggling with pain pills and opioids after a physical health injury. She started taking legally prescribed drugs, but replaced them with street substances when her doctor stopped managing them. She’s angry that her addiction was not her fault, but is learning about managing emotions. She looks forward to a life without drugs.

In addition to other peer support meetings, she has also found Emotions Anonymous meetings helpful, and attends them online on a semi-regular basis for additional insights from others going through similar struggles.

Prompt 1: Setting Boundaries for Better Mental Health

What’s one boundary you must set with someone in your life, and what makes it hard to set? How does setting the boundary support recovery?

Rachel’s answer:

I need to set a boundary with my mother, who asks if I’m “using drugs again” every time we talk. She makes me feel like I have no ability to set recovery goals and make progress. I’m scared to tell her because I don’t want to accidentally push her away. I love spending time with her, but I need to let her know the stress and toxic emotions her words cause.

Prompt 2: Healthy Outlets for Emotional Regulation

What are three healthy ways you’ve used — or want to try — to cope with difficult emotions (like art, exercise, music, or writing)? How do you think these outlets might help?

Rachel’s answer:

I used to love painting before my addiction started. I also think writing in a journal like this one can help support me in early recovery. Maybe yoga? Maybe these three things would support sober living.

Prompt 3: Anger, A Common Negative Emotion

Describe a recent situation where you felt angry. What triggered that anger? How did you respond, and how would you like to respond if it happens again?

Rachel’s answer:

I felt a lot of anger and hurt when my sober friend canceled plans last week. I needed the connection, so I felt rejected and like nobody cares. I didn’t say anything, but I did cry. I think the next time I’d tell her calmly how it hurt my feelings instead of bottling up my anger.

Prompt 4: Finding Your Support System

Who are the people in your life you can turn to when overwhelmed? What makes these people feel safe to you? What would you like to say to them if you asked for help?

Rachel’s answer:

My friend Emily is sober. She listens to me without judgment and calls out my behaviors while accepting me. If I need help getting through a rough day, she’s a person I can always count on.

Prompt 5: Staying in the Present Moment

What are three things you can see, hear, or feel around you right now? How can noticing the present moment help you when emotions feel overwhelming?

Rachel’s answer:

While I’m writing, I see sunlight streaming into my window and hear birds chirping quietly outside. I can feel my cozy blanket – it’s draped across my shoulders. My favorite song is playing in the background. I notice that I feel safe and comfortable right now.

Prompt 6: Healthy Distraction Techniques, Key Coping Strategies

What are some healthy distractions to use when emotions like anxiety, sadness, or cravings get intense? Which have helped you in the past, and which would you like to try?

Rachel’s answer:

I often go outside and walk to distract myself from substance use. In cold weather, I’ll watch a funny video or two, especially silly kitten videos. I haven’t practiced mindfulness meditation, but I’ve heard it’s pretty effective – I’ll try it the next time.

Prompt 7 Self Care Practices to Manage Intense Emotions

What are five small self-care actions you can do when you’re struggling emotionally? How can taking care of your body and mind help stabilize your emotions?

Rachel’s answer:

I can take a hot shower, brush my hair, drink a big glass of water, lay down with eyes closed for 5 minutes, or take a few deep breaths. These things help manage my stress and occasional depression and help me feel like I have some control over my well-being.

Prompt 8: Facing Additional Challenges

What additional challenges (i.e., work, relationships, or health issues) add to your emotional stress? What would help you manage these challenges better?

Rachel’s answer:

I still have chronic pain from my injury, and sometimes I feel that some people don’t understand what an addiction to pain drugs feels like. I also feel pressure, but I’m scared I’m too early in the recovery process. I think it’s important to ask my therapist to talk with my physician about how to manage the pain without substances.

Prompt 9: Replace Anxious Thoughts with Positive Self-Talk

When you feel stressed, anxious, or depressed, what thoughts usually run through your mind? How could you reframe those thoughts to be more helpful or kind?

Rachel’s answer:

When my anger and anxiety get out of control, I feel like I’ll never get better. Sometimes, I tell myself I’m a failure. Instead, I should tell myself that I’m making progress and that I’m doing the best I can do for today.

Prompt 10: Managing Powerful Emotions

What is one emotion you have the hardest time coping with? What makes this emotion so difficult for you, and what are some steps to face it in a healthier way?

Rachel’s answer:

I have sadness, and sometimes I’d even call it depression. It makes me want to give up on addiction treatment. I know the cravings of substance abuse may never end. But I will continue to choose sobriety by putting all the emotional regulation tools I’ve learned into full practice.

Our Behavioral Therapy Prompts Also Work for Bipolar Disorder and Anxiety

It’s important to note that each of our prompts uses the cognitive triangle, which explains managing emotions and behaviors. The three points of the triangle are:

• Thoughts
• Feelings
• Behaviors

These share a connection and can help you process your emotions as you overcome addiction. Honest self-examination as you complete these addiction worksheets will make these prompts more effective.

Managing emotions effectively and changing thoughts and behaviors go hand-in-hand during recovery. That’s because how we feel often drives how we think and behave. Conversely, how we act can harm emotional regulation.

Substance use disorder increases your risk factor for bipolar disorder, depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges. It’s sometimes difficult to tell which co-occurring disorder presented first – the substance abuse/addiction or the other mental illness (i.e., depression, panic disorder, anxiety).

The intersection of substance abuse and challenges to mental well-being is unmistakable. Acknowledging and understanding how they work together are critical during the drug recovery process.

Seeking Evidence-Based Treatment for Addiction at Catalina

If you’re a person feeling the pain of addiction, Catalina is an effective treatment option. We take an evidence-based, holistic approach that encompasses not only the substance abuse but your total well-being.

Here’s an overview of the treatment process at our recovery center:

• Admissions: Before you arrive, our admissions team will reach out to your insurance provider (group plans and others) to obtain treatment approvals. It’s worth noting that we also accept self-pay clients. Upon arrival, you will complete an intake appointment to assess your physical and mental health and readiness for treatment.
• Medical Detox: Substance abuse treatment starts in the detox center, where we minimize your withdrawal symptoms and monitor your safety. Should the detox process become too uncomfortable, we can provide prescription drugs. A counselor may also work with you on deep breathing or distractions to assist with the process and get you prepped for therapy.
• Behavioral Counseling and Psychotherapy: Each person on our team is dedicated to helping people recover from addiction. You’ll have behavioral therapy to help correct you from a course of addiction to one of recovery. Therapy will also effectively discover any underlying causes of addiction, such as depression or behavioral disorders.

Our goal is to provide professional support, teaching you to manage your emotions, develop coping and life skills, and other tools for lasting recovery.

Connect With Our Recovery Center for a Sober Life

If you’re ready for a new life – one free of painful emotions and addiction – Catalina can help you unlock your ability to recover and stay sober.

You deserve that new life – call us today to begin therapy and treatment to support lasting recovery success!

A high-functioning addict is a person who struggles with substance abuse but still manages to hide the extent of the drug and alcohol use from others. They appear to colleagues, peers, or family members as the “life of the party,” with few suspecting their inner turmoil.

In fact, it is because they do maintain seemingly normal lives – going to work or school and able to maintain relationships – that nobody realizes they have a substance use disorder.

Our staff at Catalina Behavioral Health has worked with many high-functioning addicts, helping them cease their drug use or alcohol addiction. It’s not uncommon for those with a functional addiction to seek help only after something motivates them to do so.

Most of the time a high functioning addict doesn’t exactly hit rock bottom; rather, they receive DUI charges, fail a work drug test, or have some other severe consequences that raise the bottom. Our Joint Commission-accredited drug and alcohol treatment center can help them with breaking free of addictive substances when these negative consequences happen.

If your loved one is a substance abuser who remains high-functioning, we encourage you to keep reading. You’ll start recognizing the telltale signs that a high-functioning addict really does need professional help.

Defining Functional Addiction to Drugs and Alcohol

A functioning addict has a substance use disorder but can manage to maintain many daily responsibilities in life. Despite the hidden struggle with drugs or alcohol. they may have good job performance, handle day-to-day tasks, and thrive in social settings.

From an outward appearance, they are in control. But if they’d drop the mask, the world would see the truth. They lead a double life, with substance abuse hidden away from the world. Because they have a high ability to function, drug or alcohol abuse can be hard to recognize.

Trigger Alert: Functional Addict Is a Colloquial Term, Not a Diagnosis

When referring to “addict” on this page, we are solely describing a pattern of hidden substance use behavior. “Functioning drug addict” is a colloquial term. It’s not a clinical diagnosis. We do not use it to judge, demean, or define a person’s worth.

Recognizing the Signs of a High-Functioning Addict

Just because the functional addict has managed to abuse substances and hide it from the world, it doesn’t mean they haven’t developed a physical and psychological dependence on drugs or alcohol. It just means high-functioning addicts may hide the problem better than most.

Loved ones simply are not understanding or recognizing the signs of a high-functioning drug or alcohol addiction.

These are some mental and physical symptoms and behaviors common in functional addiction:

• Good performance in their professional lives
• Seemingly healthy family relationships and love lives
• Shifts in behavior or energy that seem out of character but are explained away
• Mood swings, even in a person generally considered easy-going
• Minimizing or joking about the substance abuse when asked by concerned friends or family members
• Highly intelligent people who rarely forget things start having moments of memory loss
• Using substances to cope with stress, anxiety, or pain
• Mild neglect of personal health, including poor sleep, weight fluctuations, and frequent illnesses
• Self-isolation from close family or friends
• Broken promises, especially if they’ve been reliable in the past
• Defensive responses when confronted about alcohol or drug abuse
• Taking out-of-character risks, such as driving while intoxicated
• Unexplained financial problems, even though they have a great career
• Developing tolerance – needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect
• Withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using alcohol or drugs

Loved ones are often the first to notice these emotional and physical signs of a high-functioning addict. But what’s discussed behind closed doors is sometimes not enough to compel the functional addict to seek professional guidance.

The Myth of Hitting Rock Bottom

The high-functioning addict may know they’re struggling with addiction but believes they must hit rock bottom before they try to get better. But that is an extremely dangerous myth.

Waiting for rock bottom can lead to utterly devastating consequences: job loss, severe physical symptoms, damaged relationships, or overdoses. These can be avoided with earlier intervention for the alcohol abuse or drug addiction.

The fact is that anyone can reach out to learn about their addiction treatment options at any stage of the illness. Nobody needs to wait until they’ve lost everything; everyone deserves to receive addiction recovery. Don’t let your loved one fall into the “rock bottom” trap.

Co-occurring Disorders and Drug and Alcohol Use

High-functioning addicts may have a problem with abusing drugs or alcohol along with another mental health issue. You’ll hear mental health professionals call this co-occurring disorders or dual diagnosis. These are important terms to remember. Here’s why:

When highly functioning addicts have an additional mental health challenge, their mental health professionals must take a highly comprehensive approach. Restoring their well-being means treating the addiction and the second complication simultaneously.

Think about a time you got a good-sized cut scrape on your knee. To prevent infection, you washed the wound with antibacterial soap and then covered it with a bandage to keep it clean. If you only cleaned it without the bandage, bacteria could enter the wound. But if you bandaged it without washing it, you’d trap in bacteria. It takes BOTH actions to decrease the chances of an infected wound.

Now, apply that same logic to specialized treatment for the high-functioning drug addict. Successful recovery demands treatment for the drug or alcohol addiction and the other mental health concerns.

Breaking Free with Proven Addiction Treatment Options

Treatment of drugs or alcohol addiction is no different for a functioning addict than for anyone else. The label “high-functioning drug addict” doesn’t mean the person doesn’t need treatment. Any addiction can escalate to a severe addiction that puts them at increased risk of additional consequences.

Outpatient Care Is a Likely Solution for Less Problematic Drug Use

For many high-functioning addicts, outpatient treatment (either a partial hospitalization program or an intensive outpatient program) is a practical but nevertheless effective solution. It allows the person to receive professional help while continuing to keep up with the responsibilities of daily life.

Outpatient treatment offers high-functioning addicts the opportunity to receive the tools for long-term recovery and build health-supportive habits.

Medically-Supervised Detox to Cease Alcohol or Drug Use

The high-functioning drug addict should not attempt to quit alcohol or drugs at home. Quitting “cold turkey,” or the abrupt cessation of substance abuse, can lead to such severe withdrawal symptoms that it can mean extreme sickness or, in the very worst outcomes, death.

The high tolerance developed throughout drug and alcohol use means the person’s brain expects to feed the addiction constantly. When that doesn’t happen, withdrawal symptoms occur; this situation can happen quickly, sometimes within a few short hours. Many clients have turned to our addiction treatment center for detox after bad experiences at home, usually relapsing within a day due to feeling sick while detoxing in isolation.

In medical detox, our specially trained healthcare workers monitor your mental, emotional, and physical symptoms around the clock. Like other clients, high-functioning addicts may receive prescription medications to ease the pains of withdrawal. It’s especially likely when attending detox for opioid or alcohol abuse.

Therapists Help Reduce Stress and Change Negative Thinking

High-functioning addicted individuals tend to say they drink only to kick back and manage stress. Substance abuse is not a healthy way for most people to relieve stress. Using drugs and drinking alcohol regularly to self-medicate can lead to a higher risk of developing additional diseases.

Our licensed therapists give clients and their families the necessary tools to beat the addiction. They assist with addressing unhealthy coping methods and equip them with new, healthier ways to look at themselves and the world. Once the person has developed a more balanced outlook on life and stress-coping tools, they are better able to avoid alcohol or drug abuse.

The result of this effort is a more fulfilling life for the high-functioning addict and their loved ones. Clients spend a significant portion of their time working with an individual therapist, with occasional family support.

Peer Support – Another Key Component of Addiction Treatment

Besides traditional psychotherapy and behavioral health services, clients at Catalina participate in peer group therapy. These programs let high-functioning addicts join their recovery center peers to learn more about the reasons behind their substance abuse. They complete various activities, such as:

• Writing autobiographies or personal narratives and reading them to each other
• Writing strategies and plans for preventing relapse
• Using emotion wheels to identify and discuss emotions
• Role-playing difficult conversations
• Identifying triggers and coping skills to deal with them

The group therapy setting allows the high-functioning addict to put the knowledge discovered in individual/family therapy into use in a simulated environment. It helps them learn how to apply the tools of lasting recovery.

Community Support Groups After Treatment

While we’re discussing peer support, it’s also worth mentioning the value of local support groups in the community. Seeking 12-step programs, like Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous, or the more scientific approach ofSMART Recovery, can help the high-functioning addict continue to avoid the temptation of substance abuse.

Those who have completed a more formalized drug and alcohol treatment program often enjoy these groups. The meetings provide a comfortable, familiar environment with the feel of peer groups. The main difference is that community group leaders are usually not treatment professionals but compassionate volunteers. The support comes from others who have a firsthand understanding of alcohol and drug use.

Health Insurance Covers Drug and Alcohol Addiction Treatment

You might wonder if your loved one’s insurance plan will cover the costs associated with treatment for high-functioning addiction. The answer lies in whether they have a diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder, per the DSM-5 manual. Under the Affordable Care Act, mental health disorders, including addiction, are covered.

If your loved one has already been diagnosed with addiction or a related mental health condition, our admissions team calls the insurance company to obtain pre-determination of benefits, ensuring they know the costs before starting therapy.

Sometimes, a high-functioning addict may not be currently diagnosed with a drug and alcohol use disorder. In that case, they should call Catalina Behavioral Health to take the next step. We can provide a professional evaluation, determining if the signs of a high-functioning addict meet the criteria of the formal addiction diagnosis.

With that confirmation, insurance is required to cover the mental and physical treatment expenses of addiction. Let our team go to work calling the insurance carrier.

We work with top insurers, accepting Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, TRICARE, and many others.

Hallie Was a High-Functioning Addict Who Found Hope at Catalina

‘Hallie’s’ friends and family laughed about her heavy drinking. Instead of admitting she was a high-functioning addict, they described her as lively and glorified her risk-taking. That ended the night she got a DWI after swerving into a utility pole. Despite minor injuries, it was a wake-up call for Hallie and her family.

Because she was a first-time offender, Hallie was ordered to get treatment for her addiction by the Pima County Drug Court. Hallie’s high-functioning addiction fortunately meant she had good medical coverage to apply to her treatment costs. The outpatient treatment center at Catalina allowed her to work to keep her insurance and receive addiction treatment after working hours.

Hallie’s therapist helped her discover that her addiction came from trauma. She had been mercilessly bullied throughout childhood, so much so that she used drugs and drank during her junior year of high school to fit in with the older kids. Hanging out with seniors offered her some protection from the bullies.

The drinking became more problematic, but Hallie managed it throughout her college career. Now, as a young woman with a stable job, she was forced to admit to being a high-functioning addict. After detox, Hallie’s therapists worked with her to reverse her negative self-talk and build her self-esteem.

She returned to drug court after completing addiction therapy; the judge dismissed her charges and offered a firm warning not to return. Hallie now has the tools for lasting sobriety and continues to excel in her career.

Call Catalina to Get Support for Ending High Function Drug Abuse

A high-functioning drug addict is at a higher risk of developing additional mental or physical illnesses. If you have noticed your loved one drinking or using drugs heavily to manage stress while somehow still balancing responsibilities, they need help to stop.

You or your loved one deserves to live a life without alcohol or drugs. Call Catalina Behavioral Health today to get help.

Many people wish that they could stop drinking heavily because they understand the impact it has on their work, personal life, and relationships. However, they might not be ready to enroll in medical detox. If you decide to try to go it alone, you should know how to taper off alcohol with a proven schedule.

Tapering off alcohol allows you to minimize withdrawal symptoms, manage cravings for more alcohol, and focus on improving your mental health. You cut out one drink at a time on each subsequent day using a direct taper. Another option is a substitution taper, where you substitute liquor for less potent drinks like beer or wine until you can scale back entirely.

Catalina Behavioral Health offers help for anyone who is thinking about quitting alcohol for good. We can make you more comfortable with around-the-clock care as you go through alcohol withdrawal in a supervised setting. Keep reading to learn more about how tapering can help you.

Why Tapering Alcohol Consumption Can Minimize Withdrawal Symptoms

There are lots of well-meaning sources out there that recommend that you go through withdrawal from alcohol by simply cutting out your drinking. The problem is that this often results in extreme withdrawal symptoms and necessitates a medical detox where you can be under supervision for dangerous effects.

Instead, tapering off alcohol allows you to detox from drinking slowly. Many people try this method at home before they seek help from a medical professional.

The goal is to reduce the number of drinks you have daily slowly. This allows your body to adjust to a life without alcohol and can minimize the mental stress of quitting alcohol cold turkey. However, sticking with a tapering schedule can be very difficult and requires a lot of self-discipline.

But there are plenty of benefits if you commit to tapering.

Benefits of a Tapering Schedule for Alcohol Abuse

When a medical professional recommends that you enter into an alcohol detox, you might wonder why you should go through the longer path of tapering when you could quit alcohol cold turkey. Here are a few benefits of tapering.

Minimize Alcohol Withdrawal Symptoms Slowly

Chances are that if you’re thinking about quitting substance use, it’s because you have spent a long time dedicated to your addiction. Long-term use of any substance often produces some side effects, including physical dependence on the drug of choice.

That means that when you go to quit, you’ll face some serious alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Both body and mind rely on alcohol intake to function normally in alcohol use disorder. Some of the most severe withdrawal symptoms include delirium tremens and even seizures. These are less likely during tapering, but you may still have mild alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Alcohol acts on the body in a serious way, serving as a central nervous system depressant. In some cases, your nervous system may instead produce more of a neurotransmitter known as glutamate when you quit drinking. As glutamate soars in the body, you’ll see more alcohol withdrawal symptoms.

Manage Cravings Without Medical Supervision

One of the most challenging aspects of managing intense symptoms is that you’ll do anything to get rid of them. Your body is primed to want a drink to function normally, both mentally and physically. When you taper off alcohol, you give your body a chance to fulfill that need in a more controlled way.

You can give in to cravings at specific points throughout the day as long as you stick with your reduced intake.

While counseling and help from a medical professional can certainly help you manage your alcohol cravings when you reach the point of cutting alcohol out altogether, this is a great first step.

Focus on Mental Health While You Quit Drinking

Underneath the issue of alcohol use disorder is often a mental health disorder. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) found that one in four adults who have a mental illness will also struggle with substance abuse. This mental health issue can be exacerbated in detox.

Tapering off alcohol slowly allows you to think about what you need mentally to thrive. Instead of both severe withdrawal symptoms and psychological dependence, you can take some of the stress off. This enables you to get to the bottom of mental health issues as you stop drinking.

It may be that you need to see a therapist or a psychiatrist if you’ve been self-medicating with alcohol for a long time. Non-addictive prescription medication may be able to help you manage anxiety, mood disorders, and other common ailments that would traditionally prompt you to have a drink.

Methods of Quitting with a Tapering Schedule

When you know that quitting cold turkey isn’t the right move for you, you should investigate the options that can keep you from experiencing withdrawal symptoms. A tapering schedule isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach, so you may want to weigh the benefits of these different plans.

Direct Taper: Stop Drinking One Drink at a Time

The direct taper is the first and most obvious method to stop drinking heavily. Suppose that you usually have five to seven drinks per day at the height of your alcohol addiction. The goal of direct tapering off is to reduce your daily drinks, one drink at a time. This sounds simple, but it might take longer in reality.

Some people cut out one drink per day, with gains made each following day. This can be a sudden taper that leaves you without a drink in the first two weeks of quitting alcohol use.

It may be best to cut a single drink every few days to give your body and mind more time to adjust to the decrease in intake without triggering withdrawal symptoms from alcohol.

The important thing about direct tapering is that you actually measure your alcohol use. You will need to know how many drinks you have daily, down to the measure. This is the only way you can scale back if you know your starting point.

Substitution Taper: A More Complex Option to Stop Drinking

A substitution taper is a bit more complex and will require a habit change to quit alcohol use this way effectively. If you want to know the important takeaways, alcohol detoxification starts by reducing alcohol intake through the substitution of less potent options.

What does this look like in practice?

Many people struggle with alcohol use, turning to hard liquor to achieve the intoxication that allows them to feel better. You might substitute those spirits with beer or wine in a substitution taper. You’ll have less alcohol in your system if you have the same number of drinks. Once you get further into a taper, you may switch to non-alcoholic drinks to soothe the need for routine.

The problem here is that you must have precise self-discipline. You’ll be tempted to drink more of the beverages with lower alcohol content, but this taper only works if you slow down consumption.

As your body gets used to less alcohol, you can start to directly taper the beer and wine until you stop drinking altogether.

Establishing an Alcohol Tapering Schedule with a Medical Professional

Are you convinced that a tapering schedule is the right fit for you? If you’re consuming a lot of alcohol, health might be a concern as you move into withdrawal. This is why it’s important to work with doctors or other medical professionals with experience in addiction medicine. They can help you manage your drinking and taper effectively.

Before you head to your first appointment, there are a few things you can do to prepare. First, you will need to track how much you are actually drinking. This is sobering, as people will often drink more than they realize. Record every drink in a small notebook.

You’ll also want to measure spirits intake to see how many average drinks you take.

Once you have a baseline of how much you are drinking, a doctor can help you determine a start and end point. They can determine a reasonable path forward just for you to quit drinking without needing medical supervision from a detox center.

How Long Does Tapering Off Alcohol Take?

By this time, you may be committed to the idea of tapering because of the potential side effects if you suddenly quit drinking. You can do this without entering into ICU and ER settings, but it will require a lot of self-discipline to stick with it.

According to the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, heavy drinking is defined as four to five drinks per day or binge drinking more than five days per month. However, many people go above and beyond this because they have a heavy pour that isn’t measured by medical standards.

In a direct taper, you may cut out one drink every day until you get sober entirely. For example, you may start with five drinks on the first day, four on the second day, and so on.

If you’re going with a substitution taper, you may substitute one drink each day for another each day. As you replace all of your heavy drinks with less potent options, you’ll slowly start to cut them out the same way you did with a direct taper. Cut one drink each day until you reach zero drinks per day.

When to Seek Help from an Alcohol Rehab

Of course, there are times when you may require an alcohol detox to manage withdrawal symptoms in a more intense way. Tapering can prove more difficult than it sounds, as you have no incentive to stop you from pouring another drink when you experience a craving.

It’s best to enroll in an experienced detox and alcohol rehab program in situations like this.

Rehab is the best option for anyone who has serious cravings that they can’t curb with coping skills or if they have extreme withdrawal symptoms like hallucinations or seizures. These are more likely if you’ve been abusing alcohol for a long time at higher volumes.

Medical detoxes like those offered by Catalina Behavioral Health through partner facilities locally, allows you to rest assured that you’re in good hands. You won’t have the opportunity to turn to alcohol while in our facility, and we can alleviate some of your more severe withdrawal symptoms. Here’s what you should know about detox.

Medication-Assisted Treatment in Addiction Medicine

When you go through alcohol withdrawal, you may find it helpful to enlist the help of a doctor who can offer medication-assisted treatment, which is true as well at our on-site sub-acute detox setting. This allows us to prescribe medications that make you comfortable as your body adjusts to life without alcohol.

For example, we may be able to prescribe something for nausea and vomiting, insomnia, and anxiety.

This prescription medication may not be a long-term solution for your substance use, but it can be very valuable to you in the early days of alcohol withdrawal. There are some serious benefits to MAT in the long run. According to research, MAT reduced hospitalization for mental health issues and ER visits.

Transition to Long-Term Programs After Alcohol Detox

The struggle to maintain your gains after tapering off alcohol is real. Just because you made it two or three weeks into a tapering schedule doesn’t mean you’re in the clear for long-term sobriety. Here at Catalina Behavioral Health, we offer an entire continuum of care to help you heal from alcohol use.

After detox, you can move into our residential treatment program, where you will stay for thirty to ninety days. We’ll treat you with individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, yoga, music, and art to help equip you with new coping skills that don’t revolve around substance misuse.

You can even transition to our intensive outpatient programs, where you will have support during the day and freedom at night to practice your new skills. This is often a great choice for anyone who has been through medical detox and inpatient treatment already. It also enables you to return to some of your outside responsibilities with family and work.

If you’re thinking about quitting alcohol, Catalina Behavioral Health has a program made for you.

Personalized Treatment Plans for Alcohol Withdrawal

One of the most important aspects of your recovery is that it must be personal. Catalina Behavioral Health believes that a cookie-cutter approach won’t work for everyone, so we offer comprehensive assessments and evaluations that get to the bottom of your substance misuse.

We can come up with a treatment plan that is tailored to your needs, underlying mental health issues, and your current stage of recovery. Our clinicians use a varied approach to treatment for substance use disorder, employing the best of cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapy. Motivational interviewing and Twelve Step groups, SMART Recovery, or other forms of peer support meetings can also help.

Our residential treatment program allows us to monitor your progress better and adjust accordingly as you learn and grow in your recovery. You get around-the-clock care from a team of nurses, doctors, and trained counselors who can help you move through withdrawal with greater ease.

Get Help for Alcohol Withdrawal at Catalina Behavioral Health

When you’re ready to get alcohol consumption under control once and for all, Catalina Behavioral Health is ready and waiting to help you enroll in our program. We offer everything from detox for more intense withdrawal symptoms to residential and intensive outpatient for long-term treatment options.

Our enrollment team can answer any of your questions about tapering and detox, verify your insurance benefits, and walk you through the process of enrolling in our program. All it takes is a quick call that has no obligation for you to enroll with us. Everything we discuss is confidential.

Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can help you with alcohol abuse issues for good!

References

1. Canver BR, Newman RK, Gomez AE. Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome. [Updated 2024 Feb 14]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from:
2. Prior, P. L., & Galduróz, J. C. (2011). Glutamatergic hyperfunctioning during alcohol withdrawal syndrome: therapeutic perspective with zinc and magnesium. Medical hypotheses, 77(3), 368–370.
3. Mental health and substance use co-occurring disorders. SAMHSA. (n.d.-b).
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-c). Understanding alcohol drinking patterns. National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism.
5. Robertson, A. G., Easter, M. M., Lin, H., Frisman, L. K., Swanson, J. W., & Swartz, M. S. (2018). Medication-Assisted Treatment for Alcohol-Dependent Adults With Serious Mental Illness and Criminal Justice Involvement: Effects on Treatment Utilization and Outcomes. The American journal of psychiatry, 175(7), 665–673.

Witnessing an overdose can cause panic. You may frantically find yourself wondering how you can help and whether your loved one will get in trouble for a drug-related overdose. Or, you may be wondering what you can do to save them. During an overdose, every second counts!

Does Arizona have a good Samaritan Law for overdose?

For Arizona residents, the Good Samaritan law provides legal protections for the person experiencing the overdose and the person seeking medical treatment or care. This means you do not need to worry about legal consequences when call 9-1-1.

The first thing you should do is get them help – and the second is to encourage them to take steps so the situation never happens again. Keep reading to learn more about Good Samaritan protections in Arizona, what to do when someone is overdosing, and encouraging your loved one to seek help at Catalina Behavioral Health.

What is Arizona’s Good Samaritan Law for Overdoses?

The Good Samaritan law for overdoses protects both the person overdosing and whoever calls for medical assistance. Under this law, neither person can be charged with possession of drugs, drug use, or paraphernalia following an overdose.

By offering legal protections, the goal is to reduce the number of overdose deaths caused by someone witnessing an overdose and not being willing to help.

This law only protects if emergency services are contacted. These protections remain in place no matter the result of life-saving measures.

Who is Protected by Good Samaritan Laws?

Good Samaritan laws protect the person who is overdosing, as well as the person who calls for medical attention. Most (but not all) states have some type of Good Samaritan act in place offering similar protections.

Arizona Good Samaritans laws for emergency care protect medical professionals administering aid in good faith from facing charges of negligence. For example, if a nurse or doctor were at an event and someone overdosed, they could administer aid without fear of legal consequences, regardless of the result of their efforts.

Who Isn’t Protected by the Good Samaritan Law?

The Good Samaritan Law does not protect a person who committed a crime not related to drug use or possession prior to their overdose. For example, they can still get in trouble for driving under the influence, causing harm to another person, or causing a car accident.

What to Do When Someone Overdoses

Opioids are a depressant of the central nervous system. They interact with the same control mechanism in the brain that affects respiratory rate. With an overdose, there can be so much respiratory depression that the oxygen supply is cut off. This causes loss of consciousness and increases the risk of physical injury or death.

Sadly, most of us know or love someone who has struggled with addiction. The longer it takes to get help, the greater the risk of severe health problems. So how can you help if you find a friend or loved one that has overdosed?

Recognizing an Opioid Overdose

An average of five people die in Arizona every day from drug overdose – an often preventable condition. Before you can help with an overdose, you’ll need to diagnose it so you know for sure what you are dealing with.

Some signs of an opioid overdose include:

• Difficulty staying awake or loss of consciousness
• Slow, weak, or no breathing
• Confusion and disorientation
• Dizziness
• Small pupils
• Greyish or bluish lips and skin
• Cool and clammy skin
• Decreased heart rate
• Gurling, choking, or snoring sounds

If someone has lost consciousness, try rubbing their sternum firmly with your palm. Call their name and try shaking them. If they are unresponsive, it also indicates they may be experiencing an overdose.

Providing Help

Many states have passed laws that require students to learn CPR before graduating from high school. If it’s been a while since graduating or you’ve never learned this skill, it’s a good idea to practice. CPR can be life-saving in many situations.

Administering Narcan can also be life-saving, as it blocks the opioid receptors and reverses the effects of opioid drugs. This life-saving measure is available without a prescription over-the-counter, from community organizations, and from health departments.

There are minimal risks of administering Narcan. Even if a person has overdosed and it is not the result of opioids, naloxone will not cause adverse effects.

If you need to administer Narcan, insert the nozzle into one side of the person’s nose. Gently pinch on both sides of the nose and press the plunger to administer the dose. If they do not respond within three minutes, administer a second dose.

What to Do After an Overdose

You should never leave someone who has overdosed alone. Administering Narcan reverses the effects of any opioids they have taken. As they regain consciousness, they may experience withdrawal symptoms.

Unsupervised, they may seek out additional drugs to limit withdrawal symptoms. They may take high doses to override the naloxone, resulting in another overdose. There’s also a risk of choking on saliva or vomit if they lose consciousness again.

While helping in the crisis is a great first step, it’s also important to encourage them to seek further help. An individualized, evidence-based treatment program like the ones offered at Catalina will help them understand the root of addiction and learn the skills so that they never put themselves (or you) in this position again.

Encouraging Your Loved One to Seek Help

Helping during a drug overdose is only half the battle. Addiction is a chronic, ongoing struggle. And, with the increased amounts of fentanyl found in street drugs today, struggling is more dangerous than ever.

Sometimes, overdosing can be a wake-up call for someone. It shows your friend or loved one what they stand to lose. For some people, unfortunately, even overdosing doesn’t encourage them to get help. This is where you come in.

Try to have an open, honest conversation with your loved one about treatment, free of stigma or judgment. Let them know that they are loved and if they decide to take on this journey, you’ll support them in any way you can. For more help with convincing your loved one to seek treatment, contact Catalina Behavioral Health.

Reaching Out to Catalina for Help Following an Overdose

When you convince your loved one to get treatment, you want to give them the chance to put their best foot forward. That’s where Catalina can help.

We use a personalized, evidence-based approach that leads to better treatment outcomes for our clients. We don’t just focus on getting them clean, we give them tools to maintain lasting sobriety.

Our convenient location in Tucson makes us accessible to residents all over the state. We also accept many forms of health insurance. Call us with your questions, to set up a tour of our facility, or to set up an intake appointment today!

References

1. https://pdaps.org/datasets/good-samaritan-overdose-laws-1501695153
2. https://www.azleg.gov/ars/13/03423.htm
3. https://directorsblog.health.azdhs.gov/new-campaign-highlights-the-life-saving-impact-of-naloxone-in-reversing-an-opioid-overdose/