Substance Dependence | Parents Anonymous

What Causes Drug Addiction?

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: Alcoholism, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

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

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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

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

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

Finding the Perfect Rehab for Your Loved One

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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: Drug Rehabilitation, Substance abuse, Substance dependence

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

Top Ways to Reduce Your Child’s Risk of Addiction

There are a lot of things that every parent fears for their children. One of the most pervasive and destructive of those fears is that their child may one day end up doing drugs or being an alcoholic whose life lies in shambles. While this fear will hopefully never come to pass, there are some things that you can do, in order to greatly reduce the likelihood of such a thing happening to your child. After all, all of the issues that they are going to take into adulthood are going to start with you. And the less issues you give them, the less issues they are going to have in general, which will ultimately make them less likely to take up self destructive habits.

One great thing that you can do for your child is to set up a home that is stable. Children who come out of stable homes have a tendency to be better with money, better at forging positive social relationships, and better at holding down jobs. In general, a child who knows stability at that stage of life will be far more likely to grow up to be an adult who can create and maintain stability in their own life. The simple things in life, such as eating meals together and spending time playing board games as a family, are often what make the biggest differences in a child’s (and ultimately an adult’s) life later on.

One of the other great things that you can do for your child to keep them away from drug addiction is to get them well educated. Check out earnmydegree.com, and see about finding a great university for your child. If they have a good paying profession, they will never have to worry about being able to earn enough money to create a stable home for themselves- or for the grandchildren that they will one day give you. It starts with your drug free plan.

Filed Under: Addiction Recovery Tagged With: Adult, Child, Children Youth and Family, Family, Games, Home, Parent, Substance dependence

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