New Chapter Faith Based Recovery

03/04/2025

02/17/2025

Xanax can be highly effective when taken as prescribed, but exceeding recommended doses poses serious risks, including addiction and overdose. Understanding safe usage is crucial for preventing harm.

Doctors typically prescribe Xanax in doses between 0.25 mg and 0.5 mg, taken up to three times daily. Higher doses, especially exceeding 10 mg, significantly increase the risk of overdose. Factors such as body weight, age, metabolism, and drug interactions also influence overdose susceptibility. Combining Xanax with alcohol or opioids amplifies its sedative effects, increasing the risk of respiratory depression, coma, or death.

Signs of overdose include extreme drowsiness, confusion, slurred speech, impaired coordination, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases may lead to seizures, chest pain, or loss of consciousness. Recognizing these symptoms early is critical for seeking medical intervention.

If you or a loved one struggles with Xanax misuse, professional support is essential. Resources like the SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provide guidance, while therapy and structured addiction programs can help prevent overdose and promote long-term recovery.

At New Chapter Faith Recovery in New Jersey, we offer a faith-based, compassionate approach to overcoming addiction, helping individuals find healing, hope, and lasting sobriety.

Learn how to safely use Xanax, recognize overdose signs, and understand risks of misuse and dependency. Seek timely help for safe medication management.

02/14/2025

The Four C's of Addiction

The Four C’s of addiction—compulsion, craving, consequences, and control—illustrate how substance use develops into a destructive cycle. Compulsion, the first C, manifests as an overpowering urge to use drugs or alcohol despite negative impacts on responsibilities and relationships. This behavior stems from changes in brain chemistry, making professional intervention essential for breaking free.

Craving, the second C, is an intense, uncontrollable urge to use, often triggered by environmental cues and leading to psychological distress. Effective treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) help manage these urges. The third C, consequences, refers to the widespread negative effects of addiction, including health issues, financial struggles, legal troubles, and damaged relationships. Despite these consequences, the cycle continues.

The final C, control, represents the loss of power over substance use. Initially, individuals may believe they can stop, but addiction rewires the brain, making the substance the top priority. Recovery focuses on regaining control through therapy, support systems, and sometimes medication. At New Chapter Recovery, our Intensive Outpatient Program in New Jersey provides the support needed to break free from addiction, rebuild relationships, and rediscover purpose.

Learn how the 4 C’s of addiction—Compulsion, Craving, Consequences, and Control—contribute to substance use and how treatment can help break the cycle.

02/12/2025

What to do if Ritalin Makes You Sleepy

Ritalin, a widely used ADHD medication, is known for improving focus and reducing hyperactivity. However, some individuals may experience unexpected sleepiness due to its effects on dopamine levels and brain chemistry. This calming effect, combined with factors such as dosage and timing, can contribute to drowsiness in some users.

To manage Ritalin-induced sleepiness, monitoring side effects, adjusting dosage, and improving sleep quality are essential. Keeping track of fatigue patterns and consulting with a healthcare provider can help optimize medication use. Establishing a consistent sleep schedule, staying hydrated, and engaging in regular exercise can also enhance energy levels. If drowsiness persists, alternative treatments such as non-stimulant medications, behavioral therapy, or lifestyle changes may be beneficial.

We at New Chapter Faith Recovery understand the challenges of managing ADHD medication side effects. If Ritalin use becomes problematic or leads to dependency, our faith-based treatment programs offer a compassionate, evidence-based approach to recovery. Through professional guidance and spiritual support, we help individuals regain control and improve their well-being.

Ritalin can improve focus but may cause sleepiness in some individuals. Learn why this happens, how to manage it, and when to seek alternative treatments.