What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is naturally found in the brain. Released from the pineal gland into the bloodstream, it works with your circadian rhythm and in response to darkness and can help you fall asleep. If you are exposed to light at night your melatonin production may slow down, which is why it is not advisable to watch TV or look at your phone directly before going to bed.
Contact The Detox Center of Los Angeles today at (888) 346-4350 to learn how to access our addiction treatment programs.
There are melatonin dietary supplements available to take if you are suffering from delayed sleep phase syndrome (trouble falling asleep at a normal bedtime), jet lag or other sleep-related conditions. It does not treat insomnia but can help short-term with falling asleep.
Can Melatonin Get You High?
The short answer is no. You cannot get high on melatonin. When a person experiencing substance abuse disorders feels the need for a quick high, but their usual drug of choice is not available, they may resort to trying to abuse unconventional substances. This may lead to a person trying to snort melatonin to try and achieve some sort of impaired mental state. Getting high on melatonin is simply not possible. It is a natural supplement, and abusing it will only cause irregularities in your sleep cycle which will result in tiredness, inability to fall asleep when you want to, and long-term issues with your brain’s natural production of melatonin in the future.
Can You Snort Melatonin?
Snorting melatonin is dangerous for the body and should never be done. People may believe that inhaling the medication will make it work “better” or make the effects of this hormone stronger, but it does not. The only thing that will happen when you snort melatonin is nasal discomfort and damage. There is also the risk of a melatonin overdose if you take too much, which may be easier to do if you are crushing several tablets. Signs of an overdose of melatonin include:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Abdominal cramps
- Mild tremors
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Diarrhea
- Joint pain
- Lack of hand-eye coordination
- Slower response times
What Happens When You Snort Melatonin?
When you crush and snort a melatonin supplement, it does not get you high, and the hormone is not released into the bloodstream faster than if you were to ingest the pill or dissolve it sublingually, contrary to what some people may believe. You introduce a powder into your damp mucous membranes, which can cause damage and discomfort. If you continue snorting melatonin you may have side effects like:
- Ear pain
- Throat damage
- Trouble swallowing
- Damage to nasal passages
- Difficulty speaking
- Oral ulcers
- Nasal congestion/runny nose
- Nose bleeds
- Facial swelling
- Pain in the nose and face
These issues are usually reversible if melatonin abuse stops, but if you snort melatonin for long enough you can cause permanent damage. People who crush and snort melatonin are engaging in drug-using behaviors, which can lead to the misuse of more dangerous and addictive drugs in the future, so if you, a friend, or a loved one are snorting melatonin, it may be a sign to take action against addiction.
Is Melatonin Addictive?
Unlike other sleep medications, you are not likely to become addicted to melatonin supplements, which makes it a preferable option over many other sleep aids on the market. This medication has very few negative effects when it is used as directed by your doctor. It does not create a tolerance (needing to take more over time to get the same effect), nor does it create a sleep “hangover”.
Abusing melatonin is not a good idea, as it can cause negative side effects like day drowsiness that can lead to accidents, falls, and confusion. Taking too much of any vitamin, supplement, or herbal remedy can also cause serious damage to the liver, the kidneys, and other organs. Even when taking melatonin as directed you may experience symptoms like drowsiness, feelings of depression, irritability, reduced alertness, confusion, or low blood pressure so it is important to monitor your use and to only take a safe dose.
How Can You Recover from Addiction?
Addiction is a complex and multifaceted issue that affects the mind, the body, and the spirit of a person, and a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses all the issues you are facing will help you to take the reins of your life, regain control and overcome the psychological, the spiritual, the emotional, the social, and the physical health reasons you have developed a substance use disorder.
At the Detox Center of Los Angeles, we can help you overcome your addiction through a tailored rehab plan. Most people’s programs begin with medical detox, in which you move into our detox center for 5 to 10 days on average, with 24-hour supervision by nurses and doctors to make sure your withdrawal symptoms do not become painful or dangerous. You will be provided with prescription medication during detox that will ease pain, restlessness, high blood pressure, nausea, and other discomfort so you can focus on resting and healing. Therapy and counseling will also be provided, along with holistic treatments, and you will eat healthy meals prepared by a private chef. We also start dual diagnosis treatment for those with a co-occurring disorder like a mental health issue.
Inpatient rehab, lasts on average 20 to 30 days minimum, with longer-term programs lasting 60 to 90 days. Your program will be customized to your unique needs, with structured days that include treatments and therapies like:
- Individual therapy sessions, where you meet with your primary therapist once or twice a week
- Behavioral health treatments like cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy
- Dual diagnosis care, treating substance abuse and mental health issues together
- 40 to 47 hours per week of group therapy
- Interpersonal psychotherapy sessions
- Psychoeducation
- Family sessions and family contact if appropriate to your unique situation
- Life skills training
- Experiential therapy outings so you can have a new experience and re-learn how to enjoy life outside of rehab as a drug- and alcohol-free individual
- Meetings with your case manager at least twice a week to handle any issues like leave from work, legal issues, and working toward your future in practical steps that may include life skills and vocational skills training, finding aftercare or outpatient programs or sober living homes if you wish, and working on a relapse prevention program that will work for you
- Connections to 12-step programs like Alcoholics Anonymous for further drug and alcohol addiction support outside the facility
Sleep issues are often a symptom of a deeper psychological or physical health issue, and at The Detox Center of LA, we provide dual diagnosis programs that are individualized to help each person with their own unique illnesses and conditions in a whole-patient approach to healing. Many people who turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate do so because they are also dealing with trauma, mental illness, or other issues that may include bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, schizophrenia, eating disorders, anger issues, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Your dual diagnosis program will incorporate mental health care into all aspects of your treatment for a whole-patient approach to healing that will address the roots of your addiction as you heal and gain long-term recovery skills.
Although we are an inpatient facility, we can also provide connections to outpatient rehab, partial hospitalization programs, intensive outpatient programs, online treatments, sober living homes, and long-term aftercare programs, depending on your unique needs. You never need to be alone in your recovery with The Detox Center of LA. Please contact our team today to learn more about how we can help you overcome sleep issues, insomnia, and addiction.
