Substance Abuse

Getting Your Loved One Help Through Drug Treatment Centers

December 20, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Finding an opportunity to offer help to a loved one who is suffering from a drug addiction is a big step in the right direction. It can be heartbreaking to watch a close friend or family member struggle with this type of destructive behavior. Unfortunately, in order for your loved one to actually benefit from treatment, he or she must want to receive that help. This is often the most difficult aspect for family and friends. In many instances, the individual is in denial. It’s not hard to see why you may become frustrated, overwhelmed and feel unable to cope yourself due to the potential consequences of your loved one’s actions.

One of the biggest factors in helping someone get sober is to help support that loved one. Drug treatment centers can offer help throughout the process. It is very difficult to stop using drugs on your own. The services of a treatment center not only can help the person stop using drugs but also find a way to overcome the effects of those drugs on his or her life. You can offer plenty of support to your loved one through this difficult process of getting clean. Expect the person to falter, and be there to provide support in those trying times.

In addition to these factors, it is often necessary for individuals to realize that they cannot do everything. You cannot force a loved one to get help. You can offer support and encouragement, but you may alienate that person in the process. Learning to cope with the destructive action is difficult, but it may be something you need to do. Talk to a counselor or another good friend or family member to learn how to handle the effects of this drug abuse on your own life. You need to learn to handle the stress of the situation so you’re not overwhelmed.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Drugs, Medication Tagged With: Addiction, Health, Substance Abuse, Substance dependence

Addiction to Facebook

December 19, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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It seems far fetched that anyone could actually have an addiction to Facebook, but mental health experts are starting to believe such a thing is possible. There are certain built in factors within the Facebook platform that make it very addicting.

For instance, the prospect of messages, wall posts, invitations, and frequent updates make it hard to walk away from. Many people seem to spend way too much time on their Facebook account. It starts to take a front seat to studies, work, real time with friends, and relating to the real world. People think about Facebook even when they’re offline. They use it to escape problems and avoid unpleasant tasks. Some people even try to hide how much they use Facebook, and this all looks frighteningly similar to a drug addiction.

The difference in drug addiction and addiction to Facebook is that some drug addicts can put the substance down and go cold turkey. Facebook is such an integrated part of our society and the way we network that it’s become virtually impossible to completely walk away from. In that case, addicted users have to find ways to curb their time online.

Professor Bob Redi suggests that Facebook addicts find out what’s missing in their lives. They need to ask themselves if they have too much free time, not enough friends, a need to escape something, or other underlying issues that they want to avoid. They need to then find other ways to cope with those problems.

If a person is in doubt that they have an addiction to Facebook, they should keep a log of how often they long on and for how long. Redi said most people would be surprised at what they find. At that point, people need to seriously address the issue, even if it means seeking professional guidance.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Addictions, Cold turkey, Drug rehabilitation, Facebook, Health, Mental Health, Substance Abuse, Substance dependence

Nutmeg is an Easy Drug for Kids to Get

December 17, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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It has always been known that the common spice, nutmeg, had hallucinogenic qualities, but lately new headlines are making the general public aware that nutmeg is an easy drug for kids to get. The internet is full of information for kids, by kids, about how to use nutmeg to get a high similar to the one they get with marijuana. In some cases, hallucinations are possible.

Since it’s a common spice found in just about any home, children can easily experiment with it. Even though it takes an enormous amount of nutmeg to make anyone high, and it can take up to four hours to take effect, the prospect of getting high is enough to make kids try it. Since little is known about nutmeg as a drug, the dangers of using it are really unknown.

Even so, there are plenty of interviews and reports from rehab hospitals that say children report that coming down off the nutmeg high can be very frightening. Some kids even report thoughts of suicide. Physically it can cause nausea, vomiting, spasms, convulsions, dizziness, dehydration, fever, body pain, and insomnia. In this context, nutmeg becomes a very dangerous drug.

The drug-like effects come from a compound found in nutmeg called myristicin. This substance comes from the deliriant drug family. Therefore, a marijuana-like buzz is typically the desired effect that kids are going for.

Although it seems overstated by those who work to stop drug abuse, one of the biggest dangers from using nutmeg to get high is that it becomes a gateway drug that leads to more serious and illegal substances. Long term effects of abusing nutmeg are unknown at this time, but cancer and liver disease have been found in laboratory animals. This does not bode well for the lasting problems it can cause in humans.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Cannabis, Drug, Gateway drug theory, Illegal drug trade, Myristicin, Nutmeg, Substance Abuse, YouTube

Alcohol is the Most Harmful Drug to Society

December 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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A recent report released by a former UK drug adviser claims that alcohol is the most harmful drug to society. Currently, heroin and crack cocaine are listed as the worst drugs, but David Nutt is urging British officials to take a second look at how harmful substances are classified.

Nutt does not disagree that heroin and crack cocaine are the most harmful drug to the individual user, but he does say his findings indicate that alcohol is the most dangerous to society as a whole. His report is meant to address drugs and how they are classified by how their effects damage society as a whole. In other words, people who are intoxicated on alcohol are the most likely to cause harm to others.

Nutt was released from his government duties when he challenged officials on their current classifications. He believes politics overruled science where drugs are concerned. Other European nations have already taken a position similar to Nutt’s on the damaging societal effects of alcohol. Furthermore, contemporary drug research suggests that some drugs need to be upgraded for their potential harm and some need to be downgraded.

Heroin and crack cocaine should certainly be listed in the top tier, but Nutt and others say alcohol and even tobacco should be there, too. Some drugs, such as ecstacy should be downgraded, he believes. Part of the reason for revisiting the way drugs are classified is to revise how the offenders are criminalized.

Alcohol abuse can lead to crimes and injury against innocents while the user is under the influence, yet alcohol abusers are not regularly jailed for being drunk, but encouraged to seek treatment. That’s not necessarily the case for heroin and cocaine users. Ultimately, Nutt is urging the government to put treatment first for drug users, the same as it does for alcoholics.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Alcohol, Cocaine, Crack cocaine, David Nutt, Drug, Health, Heroin, Substance Abuse

Heroin Comes Out of Retirement to Wreak Havoc

December 13, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Heroin would seem to be a highly abused drug from the past, but it seems that heroin has come out of retirement to wreak havoc on society once again. Cocaine and crystal meth have been the big offenders in recent years, but arrest records are showing a rise in heroin use.

Heroin is an old drug. It was formulated from the opium poppy in 1874. It’s harmful effects have been known for a very long time. However it seems to have come back into vogue. It creates a longer lasting rush than what a user can get from cocaine. It is highly addictive, and brings multiple health problems to the user.

Much of the substance is coming into the U.S. through Mexico. There is a cheap, easily attainable version of heroin called Mexican tar. It is usually cut with cheap and dangerous substances. Therefore it is not pure. Either way, it’s harmful effects are the same for the user. The attractive thing about Mexican tar is that is it cheap and very easy to get.

As if people don’t need to be reminded, the harm that comes from a drug like heroin is life destroying. It effects brain function, liver and kidney disease, creates respiratory problems, scarred and collapsed veins from injection, and infections at the needle site. The withdrawal symptoms are harsh and can be painful to the user.

Many users choose to share needles. This leads to blood borne infections such as HIV and hepatitis. These deadly diseases can be unwittingly passed onto sexual partners and even the user’s children.

Although treatment is available, it is often second to arrest for the heroin user. Therefore arrest records are up for the drug, too. Due to it’s powerful addictive ability, heroin is an extremely difficult drug to kick. Therefore, constant education to prevent its use is necessary.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Addictions, Baltimore, Drug, Health, Heroin, HIV, Methamphetamine, Substance Abuse

Portugal’s Approach to Drug Abuse Has Positive Outcome

December 11, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

At one time, a shocking one percent of Portugal’s population was addicted to drugs. The government realized that jail time was just costing the country money without solving the problem. After ten years of addressing drug addiction as a public health issue instead of a crime, Portugal’s approach to drug abuse has a positive outcome.

Drugs are still illegal in Portugal, but those caught using them are not criminalized. Instead they are sent to counseling, and offered drug education and resources to get clean. In tougher cases, the individual will be court ordered into a treatment center. In 2000, when Portugal changed its drug laws, it was a brave and groundbreaking approach. Now, the United States, as well as other countries, are watching and considering the success of putting crime money towards treatment instead of jail time.

It has been proven that criminalizing drug addiction only makes it worse and costs the country more money. Addicts live in deplorable conditions, refuse to seek help from health care entities, and turn to crime to support their need for more drugs. By spending money on jails, but not treatment, the rate of recidivism is almost 50%. The Portuguese system has reduced repeated jail time, helped clean up dingy, drug infested neighborhoods, and improved the overall health of those who fight addiction. The money put towards punishment is not treatment money. That means the cost of recovery is reduced because finances don’t have to pay for punishment and treatment. Portugal’s approach to drug abuse gets right to the treatment phase. More people get on their feet faster and spend less time in the courts.

Some U.S. cities are trying a similar approach. Judges in places like San Francisco have the option to sentence addicts to treatment instead of jail time. Those urban areas who are following Portugal’s lead are also seeing positive outcomes.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Addiction, Centers and Counseling Services, Health, Portugal, San Francisco, Substance Abuse, Substance dependence, United States

One or Two Drinks Will Not Send Someone to Alcohol and Drug Treatment Centers

December 9, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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Most people that enjoy having a drink once in a while do not end up in a drug rehab facility. In fact, a lot of those out there that enjoy a drink enjoy it socially or on occasion. Just because someone drinks alcohol does not mean that they are an alcoholic.

As the holidays get closer, this is something to remember. Many people who only drink on occasion will be drinking more. The holidays are a time that many people indulge a little more than normal. Between the holiday parties, and the stress that the holidays can produce, the wine, champagne, and other alcoholic drinks tend to flow a little more freely. Just because you see someone taking an extra drink, or drinking at multiple parties does not mean that they have a problem.

In fact, many people who have dealt with alcoholism will completely avoid any alcoholic drinks or even possibly avoid parties and get-togethers where drinking may be present. If a person has gone through alcohol and drug treatment centers, he or she will understand that being around alcohol can be dangerous to recovering. Even many people who are getting over alcoholism who haven’t been to a treatment center understand this.

If you have a friend, co-worker, or family member who is brushing off a drink, don’t try to force him or her into it. These people may have reasons of their own to not be drinking at these parties. Some people just don’t drink alcohol (and never have). Respect their reasons, whatever they are, and let it be. But don’t feel bad if you do decide to have a drink or two. Just be safe heading home! No one wants to hear about an accident because of irresponsible drinking and driving.

Filed Under: Awareness, Drugs, General Tagged With: Addictions, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drink, Driving under the influence, Health, Substance Abuse, United States

The Drug Recovery Process

December 8, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

When it comes to being hooked on drugs for a long time, recovery can definitely not only be the best step for you to take with your life, but it can also be a long process. Some drug addicts tend to give up the drugs on their own, but the ones who can’t tend to check into rehab for some type of drug addiction recovery. The recovery may not have to be rehab, but it can consist of you joining a recovering addict group in which people can help motivate you in not only getting off the drugs, but also staying off them.

The biggest hassles in drug addiction recovery are the withdrawals and also making sure that you don’t relapse. Withdrawals usually occur for weeks as the body has to get use to not having all the drugs in its system. At first the temptation may be hard to get through, but it can be done. Relapsing is something that is fairly easy for a person to do based upon the fact that something such as depression could get them right back on drugs. Relapsing has no time limit and a person can be off of drugs for a year and get right back on them.

If you or someone you know are on drugs or addicted to drugs, make sure that you go out and seek some type of drug addiction recovery facility today. There are many groups that people attend not only to keep them off the street where the drugs are, but to also tell their story and the reasons in why they gave up that lifestyle they were living. Just make sure that it is something you want to do and not something you were mainly forced to do just so you can go and please others.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Drugs, Hospital, Medical Tagged With: Relapse, Substance Abuse, Substance dependence

Drug Courts in America

December 7, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

Although the Obama administration opposes the legalization of drugs, the President’s drug Czar does see the value in decriminalizing some drug offenses. Therefore, more states and cities are redesigning their justice systems to include drug courts. Drug courts in America handle non-violent drug offenders and offer them treatment instead of jail time.

San Francisco has been a leader in this new approach. So far the new system is saving the city almost $15,000 per offender. The city’s judges offer addicts a chance to go to rehab, get primary medical care, a chance to get a job and even housing. Compared to jail time, it’s hard for an individual to refuse such a deal.

Nationally, the statistics show that up to 29 percent of offenders who go through drug court will offend again, but about 48 percent of those who go through the traditional criminal punishment will offend again. Financially, the return on a national drug court system would return about $40 billion dollars a year. Compared the the $13 billion it would cost to run a national system, the return is an attractive motivator.

As the individual states continue to face budget shortfalls, the idea of drug courts throughout the United States is starting to take hold. The decisions are still made on the state and local level, but economic indicators are positive, and that can be attractive to the most conservative local government.

As an incentive to the medical community, the Department of Health is investing in training doctors to screen for potential drug users. In fact, Medicare and Medicaid are even willing to reimburse doctors who do the screenings.

All in all, as medical expenses, the high cost of drug incarcerations and collateral problems continue to increase, every state now has drug courts. There are now 2,400 courts serving 120,000 offenders.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Department of Health, Drug, Drug court, Health, San Francisco, Substance Abuse, United States, War on Drugs

The Success of Substance Abuse Programs

December 5, 2010 By admin Leave a Comment

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The success of a a substance abuse program should be considered before entering a patient into it. There are many programs available, and most will have a cost associated with them. Most addicts are not in a position to pay for something only to have it not work, so there are a few things to look for before deciding which substance abuse program to enter.

The success rate of the program is paramount. Ask the treatment center what their relapse rate is. Within 5 years of treatment about 54 percent of the participants will relapse. If the program can prove it has a lower statistic than that, then it’s worth trying.

It is also known that the longer a patient stays in treatment, the more successful he will be. Therefore, the next question should address average length of stay. Patients who stay in treatment for at least 90 days are going to be the most successful. Any time shorter than that will likely return a disappointing result.

Ask what the relapse rate is six months after treatment. For women it should be 20% or lower, and for men it should 30% or lower. If the program can prove it produces those kinds of numbers, it is an excellent choice for recovery.

Finally, the most successful recovering addicts participate fully in aftercare programs, so ask how the participants do in that part of the recovery process. Programs that succeed in getting patients to make all aftercare meetings are the programs most likely to turn around the disease of addiction. At least 60 percent of the participants should be attending all after care meetings in order to consider the substance abuse program successful.

Certainly, many factors in the addict’s life, as well as how motivated the addict is, will play into success, but there’s no sense in spending time and money on a program that won’t produce positive results.

Filed Under: Drug Addiction, Medical Tagged With: Addiction, Centers and Counseling Services, Drug rehabilitation, Health, Nashville Predators, Substance Abuse, Substance dependence, United States