How to Tell the Symptoms of Someone on Drugs

September 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The signs of someone having a drug-related problem are many. You could read vast amounts of literature identifying common and not-so-common warning signs for an alcohol or substance abuse problem of any kind.

There are a few common physical signs that are linked to drugs and alcohol abuse. Sleeping pattern changes are one of the obvious signs here, along with bloodshot eyes.

Appearance can be another sign of abuse. Poor hygiene and a general indicator of appearance being neglected can be indicative of a drug problem.

Watch out for slurred or agitated speech, along with shifts in weight. A sudden or great loss or gain in body weight can be a sign of such abuse, related to a number of drug problems.

Accidents and injuries are also a common sign of abuse. Bruises and abrasions on the skin may form in relationship to this. Also, individuals with drug abuse are often sick more frequently, which rounds out the physical signs.

The category of many more signs are found in those relating to behavior. This is one area where you may want to consult a professional if you have questions, though some behavioral signs are very clear.

Emotional changes and indicators are especially worthy of attention. These include everything from depressive, aggressiveness, hyperactivity, and losses of interest in activities.

Actions that may cover up drug use are also common. For instance, if one always locks doors and spends extra time in the bathroom may indicate drug abuse. Hidden stashes of substances are also common.

Take note of the individual’s actions in order to determine whether he or he has a drug problem. This should not be done lightly; talk to professionals and others around the person when making such a huge decision, in order to move forward properly and at the right level.

These are just a few common symptoms of drug use. Be sure to read on others to improve your understanding of the signs of drug abuse.

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Filed Under: Awareness, Drug Addiction, Drug Research Tagged With: , , ,

Heroine

August 10, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Opium Poppy (Papaver somniferum) found at Chat...
Image via Wikipedia
In the News
Heroine has been mentioned in the news with frequency lately because of the war in Afghanistan. Over 90% of the world’s heroine comes from Afghanistan as the drug is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy. Sometimes it is grown in secret utilizing grow lights and other equipment. Diamorphine (heroine) is used as a controlled painkiller and also a recreational drug. Inline with other opioids, addiction is common and several European countries have programs to legally satisfy the habits of long-term users.
Legal & Recreational
In some developed countries heroine is prescribed to treat acute pain or pain associated with a terminal illness despite morphine being a more common option. For recreational use, heroine is used to induce an intense euphoria. Normally heroine is injected and a user experiences an intense rush similar in nature to the feeling a patient feels when being treated with morphine, but much stronger.  Heroine may be a stronger opioid because of 6-monoacetylmorphoine, other opioids do not have this particular metabolite which is psycho-active. Recreational users also snort or smoke heroine with rolled tobacco and or a glass pipe. Snorting heroine by itself or with cocaine can be particularly dangerous as an overdose can be ingested by an unknowing user. When heroine is smoked the heated powder becomes liquid which yields smoke to be inhaled.
Administration
As with all drugs, when heroine is taken intravenously it yields the quickest and strongest rush. The drug can also be delivered with an intra-muscular injection where the high creeps on in 5 to 8 minutes. When smoked and snorted the drug ramps up a bit slower and peak effects occur within 10 to 15 minutes. Recreational users do not take the drug orally, but it can be administered that way and take 30 minutes to gather strength, but there is no rush. Heroine when administered in large doses is fatal.  It is responsible for many suicides and has even been used as a weapon by serial killers.

In the News
Heroine has been mentioned in the news with frequency lately because of the war in Afghanistan. Over 90% of the world’s heroine comes from Afghanistan as the drug is a semi-synthetic opioid derived from morphine, which comes from the opium poppy. Diamorphine (heroine) is used as a controlled painkiller and also a recreational drug. Inline with other opioids, addiction is common and several European countries have programs to legally satisfy the habits of long-term users.
Legal & Recreational
In some developed countries heroine is prescribed to treat acute pain or pain associated with a terminal illness despite morphine being a more common option. For recreational use, heroine is used to induce an intense euphoria. Normally heroine is injected and a user experiences an intense rush similar in nature to the feeling a patient feels when being treated with morphine, but much stronger.  Heroine may be a stronger opioid because of 6-monoacetylmorphoine, other opioids do not have this particular metabolite which is psycho-active. Recreational users also snort or smoke heroine with rolled tobacco and or a glass pipe. Snorting heroine by itself or with cocaine can be particularly dangerous as an overdose can be ingested by an unknowing user. When heroine is smoked the heated powder becomes liquid which yields smoke to be inhaled.
Administration
As with all drugs, when heroine is taken intravenously it yields the quickest and strongest rush. The drug can also be delivered with an intra-muscular injection where the high creeps on in 5 to 8 minutes. When smoked and snorted the drug ramps up a bit slower and peak effects occur within 10 to 15 minutes. Recreational users do not take the drug orally, but it can be administered that way and take 30 minutes to gather strength, but there is no rush. Heroine when administered in large doses is fatal.  It is responsible for many suicides and has even been used as a weapon by serial killers.

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Filed Under: Awareness, Drug Addiction, Drugs Tagged With: , , ,

Why Do We Need Drug Treatment Centers?

April 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Conversation between doctor and patient/consumer.
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Drug addiction has become more prevalent with the increase of prescription drug abuse.  Often times a patient may convince a physician that they require a pain-killer for a phantom pain.  Because a doctor may be overwhelmed for any number of reasons, such as having too many patients to see, it may be that some patients wind up with drugs they don’t need. Other times, a patient suffers a severe accident and is prescribed drugs and they wind up “liking” how a particular drug feels and use the drug as a crutch and keep going back to the doctor for more.

Drug treatment centers are available around the world for individuals struggling with drug abuse problems or an addiction to drugs.  The goal of these programs is for the patient to become clean and sober. Thankfully, many treatment facilities offer medical supervision with a licensed physician; patients can receive individualized treatment to help with withdrawal symptoms which are at their worst the first few days without drug. Some presenting symptoms of withdrawal include sweating, tachycardia, abdominal pain or constipation, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, and depression. Often a withdrawal pattern can be discerned based on the type of drug that has been abused. Along with the pharmacological side of drug addiction treatment, many drug treatment centers offer psychological therapy focusing on relaxation techniques, meditation, group therapy, and exercise.

Many programs also offer their patients follow up care. This is very important as it produces better long-term patient outcomes, especially once a patient returns home. Follow-up care is most important during the first few weeks at home as this time period is the most likely period for relapse to occur. While one would hope to never have to use these facilities, know that they offer programs for every level of addiction and can help the patients to be sober and drug-free for the rest of their lives.

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Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Drug Research, Drugs Tagged With: , , ,

Stop Smoking With Electric Cigarettes

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Electronic Cigarettes
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The negative health effects of tobacco are enough to make just about any smoker want to kick the habit. However, that’s easier said than done. Nicotine is highly addictive, and smokers often need help to finally stop smoking. Have you heard of e-cigarettes? Also known as electric cigarettes, they look and feel like a cigarette without all of the toxic chemicals.

Electric cigarettes operate using a battery built into the cigarette. You hold the e-cigarette like a regular cigarette, and you smoke it like a regular cigarette. Someone next to you may not even know it’s an e-cigarette just by looking at it, but you’ll know all the benefits that you receive when you choose this healthier smoking option.

How do you know if e-cigarettes are right for you? Ask yourself these four questions.

1. Are you trying to live healthier? E-cigarettes contain a nicotine solution, but the effects of this solution aren’t anything like the nasty chemicals used in traditional cigarettes. The nicotine solution consists of glycerin or propylene glycol. Both substances are harmless, but they do contain nicotine.
2. Do you want to approach other people without smelling like cigarette smoke? When you use e-cigarettes, there’s no tar, no yellow teeth, no bad breath, and no smoke on your clothing. The only way someone will know you use electric cigarettes is if you tell them.
3. Would you like to smoke in restaurants, stadiums, and bars where smoking is prohibited? You can do this when you use e-cigarettes. Sure, the people around you may think that you’re smoking, but they’ll soon notice that what you have is different.

Even though companies can’t promote electric cigarettes as anti-smoking aides, thousands of smokers have seen results. Gradually reduce the nicotine you choose in e-cigarettes, from regular to light then ultra-light and finally nicotine-free, to reduce your dependency on nicotine.

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The Value of Residential Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centers

February 21, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Overcoming addiction takes determination and commitment. When an addict decides to take steps toward recovery, it’s important to find the right treatment program for that individual. Various options exist, including support groups, outpatient therapy, and residential drug and alcohol treatment centers. Choosing the right program improves the odds of succeeding and beating a drug or alcohol addiction.

For over 70 years, Alcoholics Anonymous has helped people who struggle with alcohol abuse. The more recent addition of Narcotics Anonymous and faith-based 12-step programs has provided even more support groups for those in need. Often, support groups work well as a follow-up plan to residential drug and alcohol treatment centers.

With an outpatient treatment program, participants usually spend 10 to 12 hours a week in individual and group therapy. Some outpatient centers offer intensive day-treatment sessions. Theses programs help addicts to identify core issues, deal with potential relapse situations, and change coping mechanisms. If you have time constraints and cannot commit to placement in a residential drug and alcohol treatment center, outpatient therapy is a good option.

Generally, people consider full-time rehabilitation for drug and alcohol abuse when they have suffered legal, martial, emotional, financial, and/or physical consequences because of their addictions. Residential drug and alcohol treatment centers offer intensive therapy that can help with detox and recovery from an addiction. The length of inpatient care varies by program, with short-term treatment ranging from five to seven days and long-term treatment lasting 60 to 90 days.

Most residential drug and alcohol treatment centers begin with an overall assessment period followed by detoxification. After that, residents begin a program that usually follows the 12-steps from Alcoholics Anonymous. The program may include activities such as individual therapy, group sessions, exercises, assigned duties, and other tasks. With inpatient therapy, patients receive tools to help them successfully handle their addictions so they can lead productive lives after recovery.

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