Drug Abuse | Parents Anonymous

I think my child is taking drugs – what do i look for?

We all know as parents that teenagers go through a difficult time in puberty. They change as their bodies are full of physical and emotional battles and growth. But as parents you also know when something is out of the norm. Maybe your child is hanging out with older or a different crowd, maybe they are increasingly asking for money with no idea where it is going. Or worse they have stolen from you or completely shut you out of their lives. Below are some tips of behavioural changes to look for if you suspect your child is taking drugs.

Ecstacy users can grind their teeth and experience “come downs” and memory impairement. After a high they may also encounter sleep problems.

Heavy marijuana usage can trigger anxiety, lethargy, binge eating or “the munchies” a widening of the pupils and in soem cases of heavy usage it can lead to respiratory issues.

GHB is a strong chemical drug which has grown increasingly popular. This drug can cause hallucination, slurred and slow speech and even lead to convulsions and seizures.

The worst of the much addiction wise is the big H, heroin. This highly addictive drug grabs hold of users and pulls them out of main stream society. You will notice mood swings, extended sleep, poor skin, poor diet and depression. This is an expensive habit which can lead to stealing.

The best way to handle a situation where you suspect your child of being on drugs is to firstly avoid confrontation and conflict. Be “present” and positive in their lives and not judgemental. As hard as it may seem, keep talking and gain trust and openeness. Conflict and arguments only widens the gap. If you are unsure of the next steps always speak to your doctor or a recommended drug councillor.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation Tagged With: Binge eating, Drug, Substance dependence

Statistics and Treatment: Understanding the Truth

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Numbers and percentages, the variables that seem infinite: the notion of rehabilitation is carved to statistics. Information is flung about. Supposed facts are offered. And the consequence is confusion — with those suffering from substance abuse or addiction unable to understand the truth. There are too many contradictions. There are too few reliefs. Treatment seems to be an impossible thing, if only because the tallies are disheartening.

They don’t have to be, however. They can instead provide hope.

There is only one figure to remember when considering rehabilitation: as of 2011 those who begin it are almost 50 percent more likely to succeed with their goals of battling abuse. Addictions can be tamed. Stability can be offered. Through the use of inpatient treatment (which involves intensive counseling, detoxification and more) individuals can see genuine results.

And this is what must be understood.

Rehabilitation is not a guarantee. None could ever argue this. Relapses may occur; therapy may prove to be difficult; and substance abusers may find themselves overwhelmed by the very concept of healing. Half of those individuals will be able to reclaim their lives, however, and this statistic must be embraced — especially when compared to the 85 percent of users who will fail when trying to conquer their addictions without any form of support.

Treatment is therefore essential. Don’t allow the numbers to dissuade. Don’t assume rehabilitation can’t be achieved. It is instead possible — as long as effort, diligence and patience are offered. The process is long but its success can’t be denied.

Half of all compulsions can be defeated: this is a fact worth remembering… and worth trying to earn.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation Tagged With: Drug Rehabilitation, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Marijuana Use Declining Among Young Adults

Marijuana leads the list of scariest drugs for some because it is the most widely used illicit drugs in the world. For several decades now, the drug has remained popular because of the happy sensation it creates and the perpetuated feeling that it has no harmful effects. Indeed, as far as illicit drug go, pot is considered to be safe by many members of society. However, there is some good news. Marijuana use seems to be declining in the age groups where it is most popular. These group include:

1.) Junior High Students- No one likes to think about junior high kids doing drugs but we can’t pretend they aren’t either. 2010 statistic have show that the rate of user in the prior month has declined from about 7 percent to closer to 5 and a half percent in the last year. This is a measure of the percentage of eighth graders who used pot in the previous thirty days. Also, the rate of users who tried pot at least once is also down. Here, there are about 14 percent of 8th grade students who tried pot once compared to about 16 percent just last year.

2. College Students- By the time kids reach college, they are most in danger of smoking a lot of marijuana. For students under 21, pot may be even easier to get than alcohol therefore making it a more enticing opportunity. By the time a student arrives in college, about 42 percent of them have tried marijuana at least one time. This is an improvement however as just a year ago it was about 45 percent of students who had tried pot at least one time.

Even if marijuana use is declining, it isn’t by much. Too many members of the general public do not treat pot with the same regard as harder drugs like cocaine, heroin, or crack. The relative safe nature leads to overuse, which can cause many problems including loss of memory, bronchitis, and too much money wasted.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation Tagged With: Cannabis, Health, Illegal drug trade

When to Seek Treatment for a Drug Addiction

There is always a point where drug use goes from good time to addiction. Perhaps you were introduced to a drug by a friend or began to experiment on your own. Whatever the start, if the frequency of your drug use has increased, you may be wondering if you should seek treatment. Here are a few areas to examine to determine if treatment is right for you.

1.) Do you think you need treatment? It’s hard for anyone to know you as well as you know yourself. This is to say that many times people will realize on their own that they need treatment but if it’s not confirmed by a friend or a loved one then they think they must be ok. The truth is that if you are still showing up for work and doing your job others may not notice how bad your problem is. If you are good at hiding drug abuse, it is likely it could go unchecked for a long time. it may be on you to the treatment you need by admitting your problem.

2.) Are others telling you that you need treatment? If loved ones and friends are telling you that you should get treatment then it’s likely they are telling the truth. People who care about you probably are not going to risk alienating or angering you just for the sake of it. They are telling you to get treatment because they care about you and want you to get better.

Seeking treatment is not going to hurt you and could save your life. If you believe you are an addict and need help, there is assistance available.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Addiction, Substance abuse, United States

Why Cigarette Smoking is so Bad

The addiction created by smoking cigarettes can hardly be understated. As children, many of us grew up around smokers and thought nothing of the practice. Smoking was also prominent in movies and pop culture. However, enough research has surfaced in the last couple decades that it is safe to see smokers have been effectively warned. In fact, there is a warning printed right on the pack to warn users of the potential long term effects. Still, smokers continue to smoke largely resulting from the fact that they are now addicted to cigarettes.

The reason cigarettes are so addictive starts with the temporary high that comes from taking a drag. Nicotine is responsible for the rush, but that rush comes with a price. The addiction happens when the nicotine starts affecting the brain’s production by causing it to produce dopamine. The dopamine feels great to the smoker but this is a very temporary feeling. The feeling is so temporary in fact that a regular smoker will smoke one after the other to keep that feeling going.

The negatives to smoking are plentiful. In addition to the high price of cigarettes, they cause havoc on your lungs and are a leading cause of lung cancer. Should you be fortunate to not develop lung cancer, you are sure to have bad stinker’s breath, smelly clothes, and generally smell like an ashtray. You are also likely to have a reduced capacity to handle infections and illness.

Smoking is a bad idea for which there is almost no benefit. a 15 second high is hardly worth all that comes with smoking. Be smart and don’t ever start and if you’re a smoker, you should quit.

Filed Under: Child Health, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Cigarette, Smoking, Tobacco smoking

Comparing America’s Drug Abuse With The Rest of The World

The United States has the highest rate of drug abuse in the world in regards to marijuana and cocaine. Indeed, when compared to 17 other nations, America had the highest instances of use and addiction for either elicit drug. There are many reasons why America is the leader in use of the drugs. First of all, Americans tend to have more income to use for recreational drugs. Better paying jobs are associated with using cocaine as it is a drug few poor people can afford. Once we come to terms with the fact we have many people using these drugs, we must then ask what can be done about it.

1.) Recognize the signs- As a society, we cannot afford to keep our heads in the sand regard illicit drug use. For instance, many people will rationalize that it’s not a big deal that their friend uses cocaine or marijuana each and every day. Just because this person can function well and work, it does not means it’s okay for them to be driving their kids around while on drugs. Sadly, this is exactly what many addicts do. It simply becomes part of their day to get high before every activity.

2.) Suggest treatment- Most addicts are not able to get sober on their own. Once you recognize this, it becomes easier to envision yourself providing or suggesting treatment to people you care about. Indeed, they are likely to get angry with you at first but any good long term relationship will come out better for you having drawn attention to the issue. If you experience resistance, which is more likely than not, remain tough and firm in your stance.

It is good to lead the world in economics or manufacturing, but drug use is a different matter entirely. Let’s commit to helping pur addicts and reducing addiction rates.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Drug Rehabilitation Tagged With: Substance abuse, Substance dependence, United States

The True Signs of Alcohol Abuse

There are few addictions harder to deal with than an alcohol addiction. First of all, almost all adults have a drink from time to time. That gives the addict a feeling like they are just doing what everyone else is doing and they don’t see it as a problem. Naturally, they are drinking much more than the people they compare themselves too, they just do not acknowledge that fact. Here are a few signs that someone you know could be in serious trouble with alcohol.

1.) Blackouts- If you know someone who tells you stories about not remembering what happened during a portion of their evening, this is considered a blackout. These unaccounted for periods of time is generally when all the trouble happens. Moreover, it’s plain dangerous to not be able to account for a period of your day.

2.) Loved ones are worried- Those who do not have a problem generally do not have people worried about them. However, if someone has people approaching them explaining they think there is a problem, then there probably is a problem. It is the addicts inclination to explain their alcohol abuse as unimportant. hey will refer to their successes as proof positive that they don’t have a problem. Don’t let them kid you or themselves.

3.) They are hiding it- If this person is sneaking off to have drinks outside or stashing alcohol, them most likely they have a real problem. Most addicts know that they can’t hide all of their use. Generally what will happen is they will drink a little around friends and family and a lot more when those people are not around. Confront an alcohol addict who hides alcohol and call them on it.

Before staging any kind of intervention, make sure to confront the addict several times first. You want to give them an opportunity to turn it around on their own before confronting them with evidence of how bad their addiction truly is.

Filed Under: Alcohol abuse, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Addiction, Alcohol, Alcoholism

Most Abused Drugs in America

Drug abuse and addiction are still rampant throughout the United States. While some of the most widely abused drugs are illegal, many are not. The following is a list of the most abused drugs in the country.

1.) Alcohol- Alcohol hasn’t been illegal since the prohibition era around 1930, but its legality doesn’t make it any less abused or deadly. Alcohol is the leading drug abused by both adults as well as teenagers. In addition to wreaking havoc on your liver, esophagus, and other parts of your body, alcohol abuse also results in tragic car accidents and costly DUI arrests. Unlike some illegal drugs, alcohol can be harder for teenagers to access as still fines levied against corner stores has largely curbed the sale on alcohol to minors. Still, alcohol is the number one addiction of those who are in rehab programs and it has served to destroy many lives.

2.) Tobacco- Like alcohol, tobacco is legal and it is deadly. Despite the requirement that cigarette purchasers be over the age of 17, it is not uncommon to see teenagers much younger than that walking to school and smoking cigarettes. Smokers are prone to lung cancer and other harms to their body and the second hand smoke they produce can be harmful or even deadly to people around them. The cost of both tobacco and cigarettes is on the rise as government agencies look to add revenue from the sale of these harmful products. In addition, there are very few places smokers can go in public to light up anymore. Cigarette smoking has been banned from restaurants, sports stadiums and most outdoor areas.

3.) Opiums- Opiums such as marijuana are very high on the drug abuse list. Though it has never been legal to smoke pot in America, many youngsters find it easier to get marijuana that alcohol and develop a preference for the drug based on the accessibility of the drug.

It may be surprising to see the list of the most abused drugs but by most any standard, these are indeed the most abused.

Filed Under: Alcohol abuse, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Illegal drug trade, Substance abuse, United States

A&E Tackles the Tough Topic of Addiction

Drug Abuse is typically endured in private and usually only family members and close friends know of an addicts problem. A&E bring the camera right into the addicts home and life and allows the viewer to see addiction up close and personal. The addicts are convinced to participate by being told they will be in a documentary about addiction. It is likely they would not participate in the show if they new it was Intervention as most addicts do not want to stop doing the drugs they love.

The show staffs some excellent interventionists who are also former addicts. They bring years of the experience to the issue as both former drug users and as people who have helped families save the addicts the love. These interventionists will not take no for an answer, and they make it clear to the family that they must not aid this addict any further if they wish to see positive results.

The true beauty of the show is that it gives viewers a front row seat to various addictions. You can see what an alcoholic goes through as well as those who abuse harder drugs like cocaine and crystal meth. As a viewer, you are invited into th world of the addict and their family and A&E spares no expense in showing you how truly painful this can be.

Perhaps most remarkable is the recoveries you see at the end of the show, When these addicts complete some recovery time, you notice the improved attitude as well as a physical appearance which sometimes barely resembles the addict of a few months earlier. Intervention is a terrific show in it’s tenth season and well worth checking out.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: A&E Network, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Maine Has Serious Issues With Prescription Pill Abuse

Maine has a serious drug abuse and prescription pill problem. The problem has reached such a dramatic level that the U.S. attorney for the state of Maine is ready to intervene. Efforts are being made to step up the law enforcement in the state as the problems continue to increase.

Crime is on the rise- While it’s prescription pill abuse has been on the rise across the country, Maine is leading the nation in abuse issues. Robberies of pharmacies containing pills like Oxycontin and Oxycodone has increased more than five times the amount of the previous year. Violent crimes are on the rise are addicts with rob, lie, and steal to get their hands on these highly addictive opium pills.

Addiction is on the rise- Recent statistics show that the amount of oxycontin being prescribed has increased substantially in the last year even though the population has stayed flat. The problem here is multi-fold. On the one hand, it signals that more people have been able to convince doctors they need the drug. The other problem is that these drugs are in relatively short supply, which means that people are obtaining prescriptions in order to sell the drug for a profit. The addictions caused by rampant use of the drug has led to problems the state is only beginning to deal with.

Maine isn’t alone in their issues regarding prescription medications. However, the large amount of addicts in such a small population is certainly concerning. Moreover, experts are not sure why the drugs are so popular in this particular state. With addictions and crime on the rise, it’s a problem that requires a solution fast.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Addiction, Oxycodone, Prescription drug