Drug Abuse | Parents Anonymous

The Lure of LSD

LSD is among the more harmful drugs used during experimental phases. While it’s not thought of as a drug people traditionally get addicted too, it is considered a drug which can have harmful effects even though it’s rarely used. It is commonly referred to as acid on the street and it is a mind altering hallucinogen. LSD is now classified as a class A drug, meaning it is on the same level as heroin or cocaine. Most people think of it as a drug of the 1960′s which, there is no doubt that it was. However, it is still a popular drug and is blamed for long lasting mental health breakdowns as well as schizophrenic breaks. Here are the answers to a couple burning questions regarding LSD.

1.) Who takes it? The drug has always been most popular with teenagers. The age group of highest use is generally the 16 to age 30 group. Younger people seem to be most interested in the psychedelic trip offered to LSD users than older drug users. The drug is extremely popular on the club scene and many young people will take the drug before engaging in an entire night of dancing and hard partying.

2.) Where is it popular? Acid is most popular in the United States and the UK. However, the drug is now seen as outdated to some who prefer instead to take Ecstasy pills. This updated version provides many of the same positive effects but not much of the negative side effects reported from acid users.

Drugs are a very scary thing and LSD is no exception. It makes operating a car almost impossible and is not advised for those who may think they the warped reality they are experiencing is real.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Lysergic acid diethylamide, Recreational drug use, United States

Getting To Know Cocaine Abuse: Do You Recognize The Signs?

A cocaine addiction isn’t always recognizable to someone who hasn’t had exposure to the drug. It would never even occur to some people that they know someone with a cocaine problem as it’s not even a thought that would enter in to their minds. However, if you think you recognize a sign and are not sure, then maybe you can couple that sign with a couple other before bringing the problem to a potential addicts attention. Indeed, if you can put a few of these signs and symptoms together then maybe you know an addict.

1.) Excessive snorting and sniffing- Sure, your friend or lived one may just have a cold, then again, that could be one long term cold. If a coke addict is conscience of the fact they are sniffing a lot, they may talk about a cold or sinuses to divert attention away. The problem may be that this person has never had a sinus issue in the past and all of a sudden has one. Better yet, they blame the same cold on their sniffling for months on end.

2.) Are they flying through money with nothing to show for it?- This could be a telltale sign of cocaine addiction. Addicts will complain of having no money when you know they are puling in a consistent paycheck. That could be because cocaine is very expensive. Once addicted, it’s easy to develop a habit that costs $50 or more a day.

3.) Have they changed their friends or activities? It is quite common for cocaine addicts to change their friends entirely in order to hang out with other cocaine abusers. It’s much easier to do coke with others who use than it is to try and explain away your symptoms to non-cocaine users. Coke users will cut out things like exercise and sports altogether in favor of snorting cocaine.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Addiction, Cocaine, Substance dependence

How to Perform an Intervention

A family member with has an addiction not only destroys their life but makes things difficult for family and friends as well. While it is painful to see someone you love going through an addiction, it may take time for you to act. People are generally afraid to confront loved ones on the prospect of having an intervention. They fear the person will react badly and hate them for even mentioning their addiction. There comes a point in time however where it is no longer acceptable to let an addict go about in the state they are in. If you feel it’s time to stop an addict before it’s too late, start with these simple steps.

Assemble Friends and Family Who The Addict Cares About- You need to gather each and every person that is most important to the addict and have them write a letter. It is important that these friends and family members make it clear to the addict exactly how the addiction has affected them. Most addicts care only about getting drugs and it does not even occur to them that their actions effect other people. Have each person present come prepared with a letter to read and be prepared to confront the addict with their statement.

Cut Off The Addict- Addicts usually rely on a friend, sibling, or parent to fun their drugs habits. Most people with a serious addiction are not employed and have to get money from somewhere. Many resort to stealing to feed their drug habit but it’s possible that a majority of the funding is coming from someone who loves them. These people think they are helping the addict because the person isn’t resorting to robbing someone or engaging in other crimes but in reality the are simply acting as an enablor to the addict.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Family, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Is Your Teenager Using Drugs?

It’s a question that most parents, at one point or another, will ask themselves. “I suspect my child is using drugs, but how can I be sure?” Truthfully, many teenagers will experiment with drugs, and some of those will go on to become regular users and possibly even addicts. If you can stop the problem before it becomes serious, then you’re in a position to help your son or daughter.

Before you assume anything, be sure you know the risks. Simply being a teenager is a risk in itself, but if you add depression or other psychiatric disorders, a family history of drug use, and feelings of isolation, you can practically be guaranteed that your teen will try drugs. Below are some of the biggest warning signs that your teenager is using drugs.

1. Watch for the classic emotional signs. This includes the obvious mood swings, secretiveness, or personality changes. Of course, to some extent, these are all normal parts of adolescence. The way to distinguish between normal teen behavior and drug use is to watch for sudden or drastic changes. Also, violent outbursts are common in drug users; these are not “normal teen behavior” and are good cause for concern.

2. Watch for physical signs. Does your teen often have unexplained red eyes or a constant cough? These are both classic signs of marijuana use.

3. Pay attention to your teen’s social life. Is he spending more time with a different crowd? Has she changed her style lately? Any run-ins with the police?

4. Keep an eye on grades. One of the biggest signs that something is wrong is a sudden drop in grades. This doesn’t always signal drug use; it could be depression, attention deficit disorder, or issues at home. Whatever the cause, if your teen has a sudden dip in their school performance, something is wrong and must be addressed.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse Tagged With: Drugs

What is the Difference Between Addiction, Physical Dependency, and Tolerance?

What exactly are addiction, physical dependency, and tolerance? The terms are often used interchangeably, but they don’t all have the same definition.

A person with a serious addiction will use a substance such as cocaine or heroin (two of the most addictive drugs out there), but soon after the effect wears off, find him or herself craving more of this substance. One of the most well-known drugs and most common addictions is nicotine, the potent substance in cigarettes, cigars, snuff, and chewing tobacco.

An addict will continue to use his or her substance of choice, even if they see that there are serious consequences in their financial life or relationships. One good example of this type of behavior is alcoholism, another unfortunately common addiction. Alcoholism is a debilitating disease.

Physical dependency refers to the need for a substance just to feel normal. Physical dependency doesn’t only apply to illicit drug use; it happens with pharmaceutical drugs often. Antidepressants and other drugs for mental disorders commonly cause physical dependency. There is actually a withdrawal process when a person goes off these substances, because their body became so accustomed.

Tolerance, on the other hand, refers to the need for more and more of a substance to feel normal. For example, if I drink a cup of coffee every morning, my body will probably build up a tolerance to caffeine and soon I’ll find myself needing two cups of coffee just to get that same buzz. Of course, I’ll drink the two cups. A tolerance is born.

Using that example, addiction, tolerance, and physical dependency are not mutually exclusive. Both tolerance and addiction can occur simultaneously. For example: I may be addicted to caffeine, and my body may have also built up a tolerance.

To put it in different, more simple terms, addiction is behavioral and mental, while tolerance and physical dependency are physical issues.

Filed Under: Alcohol abuse, Drug Abuse, Drug Abuse Prevention Tagged With: Addiction, and Tolerance, Physical Dependency

How to Prevent Teen Drug Use

There are a myriad of ways to watch for, and treat, drug use in teenagers. But what if you could prevent the problem before it even starts? Most parents would agree that this is the best way to go about raising a teenager. However, knowledge is key. You can’t prevent a problem if you don’t have the right tools at hand.

First, be sure you know everybody your teen hangs out with. Get to know his or her friends. And this includes the parents of your teen’s friends, too! Remember, adults also do drugs, and just because you would never give your child drugs does not mean that others share your values.

Communicate. Talk to your teen, not just about drugs, but about everything. The more open your relationship is, the more likely he or she is to talk to you if something comes up, they’re struggling with a decision, or facing peer pressure.

Also, encourage after-school activities. If your teen has something to focus on, he or she won’t look for something to fill idle time.

I’ll end with something my mother always told me as an adolescent. At any time of the day or night, she said, if I ever got too impaired to drive, call her. She would come get me, no questions asked. She told me this from the time I started middle school, well before I had even considered alcohol or drug use. At first I thought it was silly, but as I became a teenager, it was a great comfort to me. Fortunately, I never had to use this “Get Out of Jail Free” card.

Of course, this type of offer doesn’t condone drug use, but it says that you are always there for your child no matter what. We are all human and make mistakes, and as a parent, you must love your child and help him or her when in a bad situation.

Filed Under: Child Health, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Drug Use, Teen

The Necessary Confrontation: TheCyn.com

The days have become desperate. The evenings have been strained. Your home is not filled with the smiles and laughter that it once was. It has instead shifted into a tense situation with every appearance from your child. He is little more than a stranger to you now. You don’t recognize the sunken expression, the dull eyes, the body transformed too thin. He’s an echo of himself and the consequence is your distrust. An addiction is feared — there can be no other cause. He’s too altered. He’s too secretive. And you believe you must do something. You simply don’t know what.

The answer is all too simple, and all too worrisome: you must confront him. Though no parent relishes the thought of such a conversation, no parent could likewise deny the necessity of it. Your child must be asked the question you most fear to ask — and the reply may be one that shatters you. The cost of ignorance, however, would be far greater. A dialogue must be established and the truth must be discovered. It’s only through this that healing can begin, and centers such as TheCyn.com can be sought.

Choose a secure environment for your conversation — one where your child will feel at ease and will be receptive to you. Don’t sling out accusations. Instead remain calm and willing to listen. Assure him of your affection, even as you remind him of the need for aid. Don’t turn the moment into one of angry words and unfortunate phrases. Stay steady and sympathetic. Understand his reasons and then work to counter them through positive solutions. Stress that you will be providing him with the help he needs. This is not a choice. It’s a requirement and one he must meet. Establish rules; establish trust; have the confrontation.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Rehab Programs, Rehabilitation Centers Tagged With: Cyn.in, Education, Health, Parent

Helping Your Teen Conquer Drug Addiction

It’s no secret that not all teenagers are clean and sober. While alcohol is still illegal for them to purchase and there are no legal drugs other than legitimate prescriptions, many teens find ways to get high. They take the prescriptions that belong to others, find ways to get alcohol, and find suppliers for illegal drugs, too. If you suspect that your teen is engaging in these kinds of behaviors, you should do something about it right away. Don’t wait and turn a blind eye to it, or assume that the problem will go away on its own. It might, but it’s not a good idea to assume that it will.

Instead, have a game plan and figure out what you’re going to do to confirm your suspicions. You don’t want to accuse your teen of something he or she isn’t doing, but you also don’t want to let your teen convince you of his or her innocence if it’s not really true. Spend some time with your teen. Pay attention. If you discover that drug use or addiction is actually a problem, you may need to put your teen into treatment. There are both inpatient and outpatient options, and your physician as well as the counselors at the program can determine which would be the best choice.

If you don’t have much experience with this kind of problem, it’s often better to defer to the judgment of people who do. However, remember that your teen is ultimately your responsibility, and you should do whatever is right for him or her, without question. If you need a second opinion or feel you should get one, don’t be afraid to do so. That way you’ll be sure that you’ve done the right thing and made the right choice to help your teen get through his or her drug addiction.

Filed Under: Child Health, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Adolescence, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Fighting Back Against Drug Addiction Problems

When someone has a drug addiction, he or she often struggles with all kinds of aspects of life. The addiction can take over and stop the person from holding down a job, taking care of his or her family, or doing basic, daily tasks. There might also be a shortage of food or other items, because all of the money is going toward drugs, alcohol, and related problems. Of course, that doesn’t mean you can’t break out of those addictive patterns and fight back. You can do more than you think you can, if you’re committed to getting better.

Checking into a treatment program may be necessary, and whether that’s an inpatient or outpatient program will depend on several factors. Some people also cut ties with their old friends and with any family members who have drug problems, so they can get a fresh start. A few move to a new neighborhood, or even to a different city and/or state, so that they’re able to get away from the people and the places that they associate with their drug use. If you’re one of the people who is trying to get away from drug use, you may want to consider those kinds of options, if they’re feasible for you.

The more time you spend around the people and the places that make you think of drug use, the more likely you’ll be to continue to use drugs, even if you’ve sought treatment and are trying to get (and stay) clean. Don’t let the people around you drag you back into drug use when you don’t want to be involved in that lifestyle anymore. Say no, walk away, and spend time with people who don’t use drugs and who have the kinds of values you want to cultivate in your life.

Filed Under: Drug Abuse, Rehab Programs Tagged With: Patient, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

Study Shows Previous Drug Use by Expectant Mothers Affects Child’s Brain Chemistry

Women who are drug users, but stop before pregnancy, still run the risk of affecting not only their own children but their grandchildren as well. A new study shows that certain addictive drugs can alter the brain chemistry of offspring, in generations down the line.

Scientists recently conducted experiments on female rats. They exposed the rodents to morphine for ten days when the rats were in their adolescent years. Then, after three weeks of no drugs, the rats mated with healthy, drug-free males. Researchers found that their offspring produced a lesser quantity of dopamine, an important chemical messenger in the brain. This area of the brain is associated with reward-seeking behavior and chemical addiction. The next generation of grandchildren rats also exhibited a similar deficit of dopamine.

So far, it appears that the dopamine levels of male offspring are most affected by drug use in child-bearing women. Imbalances in the brain’s dopamine levels are linked to mental illness and problems with addiction.

In part two of the study, scientists exposed the offspring to a substance that imitates a dopamine-induced elevated release of stress hormones, which indicates that the rat’s abilities to control stress had been affected.

This research is important because it is helping researchers understand how the effects of drug use are passed on to subsequent generations, down to the genetic level. Understanding how gene expression, and the production of protein, is affected by substance abuse provides clues to how multi-generational changes in brain chemistry make offspring more susceptible to drug addiction.

Studies like these will eventually help treatment centers and doctors provide more effective drug counseling solutions, and help educators teach young people the importance of avoiding drug use. Anyone struggling with chemical dependency issues, and friends and family of those dependent on drugs or alcohol, can utilize sites like Rehab-International.org to learn more about how they can get help for their addictions.

Filed Under: Child Health, Drug Abuse Tagged With: Dopamine, Substance abuse, Substance dependence