Ark Medical of Las Vegas understands how hard it is to manage drug use and addiction. We see every patient as an individual. They need appreciation, admiration, and inclusive care.
Combining alcohol and opioids is fairly hazardous. These medications reduce the activity of the mind and body. This compounds the risk of overdose or fatal consequences when used alongside each other.
Consuming alcohol and opioids together, identified as co-occurring, results in major health complications.
Hope exists. We’ll guide you to recovery with the best assistance.
Understanding Co-occurring Use
Two types of addiction confront a person with co-occurring use. While alcohol is allowed, mixing it with opioids, whether something like prescription Opioid medication or something odd like heroin, makes it greatly more dangerous.
These substances slow down the central nervous system. When used together, they can:
- Slow breathing to life-threatening levels
- Causes unconsciousness or coma
- Dramatically increases the risk of fatal overdose
Why Do People Use Both Alcohol and Opioids?
We acknowledge at Ark Medical that substance use is often a way to get past deeper pain. It is common for some to mix substances because they are trying to cope with physical, mental, or emotional pain.
Common contributing factors:
Anxiety, depression, PTSD, or other mental health conditions
- Chronic pain or injury
- History of trauma or abuse
- Family history of addiction
- Stressful life events like job loss or divorce
- Limited access to healthcare or support
Addiction is a medical condition, not a personal failure. And it deserves expert, nonjudgmental care.
Why Treating Both Is So Important?
Treating only alcohol or opioid use is rarely effective. Because both substances impact the brain similarly, ignoring one can trigger a relapse in the other.
This is why we follow an integrated treatment model at Ark Medical of Las Vegas, a whole-person approach that addresses both addictions and any underlying mental health concerns.
What Is Integrated Treatment?
Integrated treatment is a plan that addresses both addiction and mental health. Patients using this model will most likely maintain sobriety in the long run.
At Ark Medical of Las Vegas, under the guidance of Cecilio Gonzales, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, our patients benefit from a truly integrated plan tailored to their specific needs.
- Medical Detox
Detox is often the first step. It must be done safely under medical supervision, especially when both substances are involved.
Withdrawal symptoms may include:
- Seizures
- Vomiting or hallucinations
- Anxiety, panic, and cravings
Our team provides compassionate care and, when needed, medication-assisted detox to ease discomfort and stabilize the body.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT)
MAT observes the scientifically backed method of administering safe drugs with a prescription by the doctor, with an aim to:
- Decreasing cravings
- Alleviating withdrawal symptoms
- Preventing relapse by blocking the effects of the drugs
Medical care may be provided with certain medications:
- For opioids: Buprenorphine, methadone, or naltrexone
- For alcohol: Naltrexone, disulfiram, or acamprosate
Mr. Gonzales is a certified psychiatric mental Health Nurse Practitioner. He makes sure treatments are safe and tailored to each patient.
- Behavioral Therapy and Counseling
Mental care is the backbone of what we do at Ark Medical. Supportive sessions help people realize their usage patterns and develop a stronger way of living.
Effective options include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Group Therapy for peer support
- Family Therapy to rebuild trust and connection
Patients can use our behavioral health services in person or through telehealth.
- Mental Health Treatment
Many patients also struggle with:
- Depression or anxiety
- PTSD or past trauma
- Bipolar disorder
At Ark Medical of Las Vegas, we treat these conditions alongside substance use to ensure a complete and lasting recovery. Mental wellness is part of physical wellness; both matter equally to us.
Inpatient or Outpatient: What Works Best?
It depends on the person’s needs.
Inpatient Treatment
- 24/7 care in a facility
- Ideal for severe cases or those without a stable home environment
Outpatient Treatment
- Stay at home, attend scheduled sessions
- Works well for those with mild to moderate addiction and family support
Ark Medical of Las Vegas offers primary care, mental health, and addiction support in outpatient settings, with referrals for inpatient care when necessary.
The Role of Family and Community Support
A person can’t recover on their own. At Ark Medical, achieving good health is part of your journey with your family, friends, and the community you trust.
Families can:
- Learn about addiction
- Practice nonjudgmental communication
- Set healthy boundaries
- Participate in therapy sessions
Communities can:
- Normalize treatment instead of stigmatizing it
- Improve access to care
- Build safe, sober-friendly environments
We aim to be a trusted resource for patients and the Las Vegas community.
Final Thoughts
Co-occurring alcohol and opioid use is severe but not hopeless. Recovery is possible with integrated treatment, therapy, medications, and a strong support system.
Recovery occurs step by step, and seeing progress matters. If someone you know or yourself is having a hard time, don’t hesitate to get assistance from a doctor, counselor, or recovery center. Help is available if you are looking for it.
At Ark Medical of Las Vegas, we offer personalized treatment, mental health support, and proven medications. Our experienced providers also provide outpatient care and telemedicine options.
Reach out to Ark Medical of Las Vegas. If you or a loved one needs help, we’re here to guide, support, and improve your health since it’s our primary goal.
FAQs
Q: Can I recover from co-occurring alcohol and opioid use?
Yes. Many have created meaningful and healthy lives because of integrated treatment and support. You can turn things around just as well.
Q: What are the risks of using alcohol and opioids together?
They can dangerously slow your breathing, cause coma, or even death. The combination leads to thousands of preventable overdoses each year.
Q: How long does integrated treatment take?
It varies by person. Some need 30–90 days of structured care, followed by months of outpatient support. At Ark Medical, we tailor plans to your needs.
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