February 23, 2012

Posts Comments

What Causes Drug Addiction?

Logo of the United States National Institute o... 

Image via Wikipedia

Most people who experiment with drugs and alcohol have no intention of becoming addicted. There is no one reason why people become addicted to drugs so predicting addiction is very difficult. Studies have shown that there are three key factors that influence drug addiction.

1.) Your social environment: Let’s face it, if you aren’t hanging around with people doing drugs then you are less likely to have access to drugs. Furthermore, people who do not do drugs are not very tolerant of those who are using. Environment also includes family life. People who have parents abusing drugs will learn from birth that doing drugs is acceptable. Indeed, it is quite difficult to uphold the negative stigma of drugs if your own family who you love is doing the same drugs.

2.) Biological makeup- Many things are hereditary and drug addiction could be another prime example. It is often difficult to distinguish if drug abuse is genetic or habitually learned if a child openly observes his parents doing drugs. However, there is strong evidence that predisposition to drug and alcohol addiction is genetic in nature.

3,) Age of exposure- Studies have shown that people who experiment with drugs at a young age are more likely to become addicted. As the brain is still forming, it is learning patterns and behaviors. An unfortunate consequence of using while the brain is still forming is that the brain can incorporate the act as a norm for the developing body.

Filed Under: Theraphy Tagged With: , ,

Statistics and Treatment: Understanding the Truth

A percent sign.

Image via Wikipedia

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: , ,

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: , ,

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: , ,

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: , ,

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: , ,

Finding the Perfect Rehab for Your Loved One

Article Content:

If you have a loved one that suffers from drug or alcohol abuse, the best way to help is to encourage him or her to go to a drug rehab facility. There are many options available for those who need rehab. One of the best options, though, is to go somewhere that not only has the best treatment program, but is also in the best location. True, a rehab facility nearby is convenient, but sometimes going to a new place may be better for addicts— a place where they feel they can start over fresh. Send your loved one to the get the best drug rehab California has to offer by visiting treatment centers in sunny Orange County.

The climate of California is perfect for rejuvenating your spirit and finding strength to move away from addiction and temptation. Between the gorgeous blue skies and green earth below, drug rehabilitation facilities are able to focus on helping addicts overcome their addictions, whether they are illegal drugs, prescription drugs, alcohol, or eating disorders.

Once you’ve decided on the location for drug rehab, the next step is to find the best facilities to help your loved one overcome his or her addiction. Look for a program that focuses not just on the addiction, but on the addict as well. There are many factors for why someone becomes addicted; it could deal with how he or she was brought up, whether there was abuse during childhood, self-esteem issues, or psychological problems. Some addicts use drugs to self-medicate and don’t even realize it. By finding the cause of the addiction and addressing it, addicts are more likely to leave the rehab facility with the strength to avoid temptation. This is the power of finding the right program for drug rehab. California is the perfect location for this help and you’re sure to find a program that will work for your loved one!

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery, General Tagged With: , ,

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: , ,

Teenagers and Alcohol Poisoning

drunk girl in Shibuya
Image by colodio via Flickr

The social realm of drinking has become popular among teens, but many do not realize the danger of alcohol poisoning. Some teenagers are able to judge when they have had enough, but others put themselves at risk. Consuming too much alcohol on an empty stomach can cause the alcohol to react with the acids of the stomach, which turns into poison.

Many believe that alcohol poisoning is directly related to alcoholism, but a social drinker has the same risks. Alcohol poisoning is a chronic disease of the body. Many teens are more prone to alcohol poisoning because of their body is not developed enough to handle the substance.

Alcohol poisoning of the human body causes paralysis, insensibility, and swelling of the body. Ethanol, a toxic element of alcohol, releases into the bloodstream and the more alcohol in the bloodstream a greater risk of poisoning occurs. An individual who suffers from poisoning of the blood becomes disoriented, unresponsive, and sometimes unconscious with an early symptom of labored breathing. An individual who has drank too much may vomit in order to eliminate some of the alcohol in the body. Although vomiting is common for those who have drank too much, it should not be taken lightly because it triggers major diseases and damages the respiratory function of the brain.

Many teens believe that they can overcome alcohol poisoning with remedies they have heard from others but these remedies do nothing to help the poisoning. The consumption of black coffee, taking a shower, or sleeping it off will not remove the toxins from the body. Alcohol depresses the nerves of the human body that can control unintentional actions such as gag reflexes and breathing. If alcohol poisoning is suspected, the individual should be taken to the emergency room immediately. If the poison is in their system for an extended period of time, long-term damage could occur.

Filed Under: Alcohol abuse Tagged With: , , , , , , , , ,

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: , ,
« Older Posts