Overdoses and fatal overdoses are on the rise in Pennsylvania, from urban areas like Philadelphia and Pittsburgh to rural areas throughout the state. Just as in other states, Pennsylvania is seeing a rise in substance misuse and mental health issues, as the isolation, social disconnection, growing rates of unemployment, and issues surrounding anxiety, depression and thoughts of suicide continue to be more prevalent.   Here at Innovo Detox in Abbottstown, Pennsylvania, we have seen the impact of COVID-19 related to addiction and co-occurring disorders since we opened our doors on March 16th. We have seen patients from all areas of Pennsylvania (as well as surrounding states like New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia, as well as Washington, D.C.) come through our [...]

One of the many barriers that people in need of drug or alcohol detox face is the fear of entering a facility to manage their potential withdrawal symptoms. Just like entering treatment, entering detox carries with it fears and stigma for potential patients. Excuses like “I am unable to take time off of work” or “It won’t be that bad” or “I’ll be more comfortable at detoxing at home” are often used by people that call into a detox center while in active addiction.   Our admissions staff often hears potential patients say that they would rather try detoxing at home. However, this can be a dangerous and, sometimes, even a fatal mistake. We are not trying to cause fear [...]

One of the largest issues surrounding the use and misuse of marijuana is a largely antiquated notion that marijuana is “safe” or “not addicting.” Many parents that have young adults using or misusing marijuana often reference the “weed we used to smoke” to make a point that the marijuana being used by their adult child is harmless. Or others point to the legalization and decriminalization of marijuana throughout the country as a reason for it not to be problematic.   However, there are some important points to consider. First, the marijuana and THC products being used today is not the same type of marijuana that people were smoking decades ago. As an example, in the 1970s the average marijuana product [...]

It is well documented that the COVID-19 public health pandemic has created a rising tide of mental health concerns such as anxiety and depression. A recent study by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) showed that 40% of respondents reported an adverse mental health or behavioral health condition, and 11% of respondents had seriously considered the idea of suicide in the previous month. With rising stress levels, isolation, lack of social interaction, or being together with family for such extended periods of time, there is little doubt that Americans are facing an increased mental health crisis due to the coronavirus. Something else that is also well-known is the close relationship between mental health conditions and stress and high rates of [...]

While detox and withdrawal management for anyone suffering from addiction and substance use disorder is very similar in terms of what the process looks like, the specific timelines and protocols for detox and medical stabilization vary depending on the substance or substances being misused by the patient.

The idea of detox, a cleansing or purification of the body to begin a healing process, may be one of the oldest medical treatments in this history of mankind. Different cultures in different areas of the world have different traditions and ways...