The Dangers Of Addiction And Denial

 

Addiction can cause your life to spiral out of control, but there is help out there to help you regain control. Although there is no one solution to overcoming addiction, there is a unique answer to your particular problem. After you have faced and overcome the denial process that tells you that you do not have a problem, you can begin to solve it.

Addiction will be the center of your life until you learn new ways to live. You will end up basing your life around your addiction and your family and friends will suffer because of it. As the addiction worsens, your school work or job can suffer as well. You may even end up lying to your family and friends to cover up your addiction, but there is hope. You can face your problems and learn how to stop your addictive behavior and begin your life anew.

If you do not try to solve your addiction and decide to stay in denial, all that you have to look forward to is a life that revolves around your addiction. You will end up having to sneak around from your family, friends, and co-workers. You could put your relationships and career in jeopardy just because you are choosing to put your addiction first in your life.

If you do not get assistance, you will need to do more drugs or drink more to feel satisfied. It is important to take care of your addiction and denial problems as soon as possible. Even if you have to go through the withdrawal process, you will be glad that you did in the long run.

There are many other things more important than drugs or alcohol. You can learn new ways to cope with your addiction behavior and learn new methods of dealing with stress. Once you have overcome your physical addiction, you can also learn how to control your mental addiction as well.

If you are ready to get help, don't wait. There is a customized solution that will work for your specific situation. Face your fears and choose to begin working on your addiction today.

Mixing Marijuana And Alcohol May Increase Drunk Driving

 

Drinking alcohol without abusing any other drug substance has been proven to be safer compared to engaging in simultaneous drug use. The latest study shows that people who drink alcohol and smoke marijuana at the same time, are more likely to drive their vehicles while heavily drunk compared to those who stuck to alcohol alone. This behavior not only affects driving but also causes social problems. Although alcohol use is accompanied with many effects that may potentially cause drunk driving, marijuana use worsens this problem.

Individuals who drink alcohol beyond the set limit and smoke marijuana are more vulnerable to drunk driving, which has serious consequences, such as road accidents which may lead to fatalities or serious injuries. It has been confirmed that about 18 percent of motor vehicle accidents are a result of driving under influence of a number of drugs, mainly alcohol and marijuana. These accidents occur due to impaired judgement of the intoxicated driver.

Drinking alcohol or smoking pot separately is more likely to progress to a stage where you use both substances simultaneously. Over time, this habit may advance further to a stage where the drug user cannot practice self control or maintain control over their lives as they drink excessively every single day. Other consequences include; bar fights, breaking the law more frequently, marriage problems, arguments, relationship problems, job loss and road carnage.

The study covered three groups of drug users including: alcohol drinkers, pot smokers and individuals who used the two substances together. The study revealed that individuals who used the two substances separately were most likely to indulge simultaneously in both. They were also more likely to engage in occasional heavy drinking habits. Men were the most affected group compared to women. The problem with simultaneous alcohol and pot use is that it worsens the adverse effects of alcohol, leaving the driver more drunk than when intoxicated with alcohol alone.

There needs to be a drug abuse awareness campaign for drug abusers to educate them on the perils of simultaneous drug use. This is because it leads to drunk driving, which has a high potential of causing road accidents that may lead to loss of lives among other things.

What Is Behavior Therapy For Addiction Treatment

Behavior therapy is based on the premise that we can change the way we act with the proper stimulus. The theory is that how we behave is a product of the things we learned given the consequences of our past actions. Bad habits such as addiction can be eliminated using different techniques that highlight its negative outcomes. Individuals can be steered towards good habits by showing their benefits.

Goals of Behavior Therapy

The experts in this field have developed programs designed to modify behaviors that lead to substance abuse. This kind of addiction treatment tries to improve the skills of the individual so that he or she can sustain a healthy lifestyle. The mental aspect is vital so therapists will try to alter attitudes regarding drug and alcohol abuse. Patients have to understand why change is necessary on a deep level. This therapy is not exclusive. It can be used in conjunction with other treatments that are designed to achieve the same goals. The duration of therapy must be tailored to the needs of the individual.

Types of Behavior Therapy

Patients may be introduced to undesirable consequences for their maladaptive behavior. This can be done covertly or overtly. In covert sensitization, they are asked to imagine the negative results if they continue on with their addiction. In overt sensitization, they are confronted with objectionable physical consequences upon resumption of their habits such as electrical shocks.

In cognitive behavioral therapy, patients gain a thorough understanding of their own emotions and thoughts with regards to substance abuse. They acquire the means to protect themselves against outside stimuli by having a stronger sense of self. Although the outside world is beyond their ability to control, they know that how they react is within their power and they can choose positive behaviors instead of succumbing to addiction.

Another addiction treatment technique is called token economy. This is widely used at all levels to promote a certain behavior by using rewards or tokens. For instance, a patient in a rehab facility may be given a certain number of tokens as incentive for good behavior. These can be exchanged for privileges later on.

Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

Quick Tips To Help You Cut Down On Drinking

Alcohol addiction is a serious problem in society. Drunk driving cases are on the rise. On the other hand, the vast majority of assault cases involve some form of intoxication. In addition to these adverse effects to society, excessive consumption of alcohol can destroy your organs and lead to death if the problem is left unchecked. Quitting drinking is the best remedy for all these problems. The following are tips to help you quit drinking and take back control over your life.

i) Set Goals

To minimize your chances of developing alcohol-related problems, consider setting aside days in the week to drink and decide how much you are going to drink on those days. If you normally drink on a daily basis, you can set a goal to alternate drinking days and non-drinking days. For instance, if you would like to drink on Mondays after work, you can rest on Tuesdays, drink on Wednesdays and so on. Additionally, you can decide to reduce your alcohol intake on weekdays to improve your productivity at work.

ii) Develop a Healthy Eating Habit

Drinking with an empty stomach is dangerous and may actually lead to severe alcohol intoxication. It is crucial you develop a habit of eating a healthy meal before drinking.

iii) Avoid Triggers

Some people often turn to alcohol when stressed, disappointed or invited for free drinks. These triggers should be avoided. Drinking should be a conscious decision and not impulse-driven. Avoiding triggers will help to contain your drinking problem.

iv) Learn to Say No

If you know you're not supposed to drink on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Sundays, you should not accept any free drink, even if you're attending a wedding, birthday party or corporate event. During your drinking days, you should learn to say no once you reach your limit.

v) Find a Hobby

Many people do not have a hobby and this is what has contributed to their drinking problem. If you have nothing better to do, you will most likely find time to spend with your drinking buddies at the pub. Consider taking up a sport, such as biking or swimming, and do something worthwhile, like renewing friendships and mending broken relationships.

If these tips still do not help you quit or control your drinking problem, you may want to consider seeking professional help. Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

Desoxyn - Uses, Precaustions And Side-effects

Desoxyn (methamphetamine) is a Central Nervous System Stimulant. It is used to treat attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Another application of this drug is to help in weight reduction in obese people. Many people are hyperactive and are unable to concentrate. Hyper activity leads to some other medical conditions as well. A hyperactive individual is unable to concentrate and gets distracted easily. This drug when administered relieves the patient by increasing their attention and decreasing restlessness. The medicine cannot be obtained without doctor's prescription.

Using Desoxyn

The use of this medicine is to be made under the supervision of a doctor. It should be taken for a period as instructed by the doctor under the right dose. Anything above the prescribed dose may cause side effects and the patient may get addicted to the use of this drug or may become resistant to its effect. The amount of medicine a patient will have to consume would depend on the strength of the medicine and the medical condition of the patient. Follow your doctor's prescription for the dose you need to take and take the medicine regularly. In case you miss a dose, do not attempt to take double dose of it if the time of the next dose is near.

Precautions before using Desoxyn

Some people have allergies and are intolerant to certain types of drugs. Hence, it is vital that you tell your doctor beforehand about any such allergy that you may have before taking this drug. Use of this drug on children's below the age of 12 years should be made cautiously. Elderly patients may use the drug but in limited quantities as it may affect their liver, kidney and heart.

This drug may or may not be used when you are taking some other medicines. As a precautionary measure, you will have to inform your health care professional about the usage of the other drugs. When you are under the prescription of this medicine, you should visit your doctor regularly to check for any signs of possible side effects. If anything suspicious is encountered, a detailed examination of the same shall be done.

What Is Tramadol Abuse?

Tramadol is categorized as an opiod analgesic that works on an individual's central nervous system to relieve and alleviate pain. While it is not a true narcotic, it can effectively treat moderate-to-severe pain. The medication comes in various forms, including suspension, capsules and tablets. Normally taken orally, some people have developed other ways of consuming the opiod. Unfortunately, this has resulted in serious addiction problems. For a more clear understanding, we must answer a question: What is Tramadol abuse?

Abuse of this drug is defined by any change that is made to the way an individual consumes it outside of the prescribed directions. This includes taking a higher dose than directed or taking it more frequently than needed. It also includes various forms of ingesting the medication, such as snorting, smoking, chewing or injecting into the body. Abusers commonly mix Tramadol with alcohol and other drugs, which can lead to detrimental results: The depressant effect can be increased and can create problematic effects within the brain. Tramadol abuse creates a stronger-than-needed concentration in the body, as well as quicker release of the drug. The result is negatively intensified effects, or a "high." Over time, the body can develop a severe physical dependency to the medication as well as a mental "craving" for it. In turn, addiction can follow.

Side effects of such abuse can be horrendous. They include, but are not limited to, confusion, tremors, vomiting, seizures, diarrhea, delirium and hallucinations. One's heartbeat can slow or even stop, and can cause the abuser to suffer a heart attack. Withdraw can also be unpleasant and painful when a person is ready to detox from Tramadol abuse.

Being aware of the signs of Tramadol abuse is important when trying to help a loved one who is potentially suffering with the addiction. Excessive sleeping, erratic behavior or consistent changes in normal demeanor are all red flags. If the prescription runs out before the allotted time or the user is observed taken the medication in a way other than prescribed, abuse is certainly a risk.

The Phases Of Crack Cocaine Withdrawal

Crack cocaine addiction is more common than many people believe. If you are addicted to this drug, then you may feel that combating your drug habit is impossible. However, with determination and support, you can stop allowing crack cocaine to rule your life. You will need to learn as much as you can about detoxing your body from this drug. Here are the 7 phases of crack cocaine withdrawal that you should be aware of:

Phase 1 - Panic

This stage occurs 1 - 3 hours after the last use. A person is focused on attaining money to buy more drugs. The addict will often do whatever necessary in order to attain the money such as sell items or even steal.

Phase 2 - Crash

During this stage, which occurs 3 - 24 hours after the last use, a person will hit rock bottom emotionally. Depression may set in and the person may regret spending money that has been spent. Suicide has a high instance of occurring during this stage.

Phase 3 - Honeymoon Stage

This stage occurs 1 - 5 days following last use. The person feels on top of the world and often believes they have beaten their addiction. Those in recovery often leave when they start to experience this phase, as they feel their addiction no longer exist.

Phase 4 - Cravings return

This stage occurs 5 - 14 days after the last use and the addict will experience a return of the drug craving with a vengeance. The cravings will often become so strong that the person has vivid dreams about attaining the crack.

Phase 5 - Emotional augmentation

This phase occurs 14 - 28 days after last use, up to 2 years. The addict overreacts to stressful situations. There could be a chemical imbalance in the brain due to lack of serotonin. There is a strong likelihood of relapse during this period.

Phase 6 - Covert cravings

Occurring 28 - 35 days after the last high, a person will experience low levels of cravings for the drugs. However, any discussion of events that causes the person to remember exactly how being high felt can cause the craving to grow.

Phase 7 - Cue conditioning

There are various triggers, such as financial issues, anger, joy, etc. which could trigger the person's cravings for the drug.

These 7 phases will be different for each person. If you are serious about getting off drugs, then you should not allow these phases to scare you, as it is provided strictly for informational purposes. You need to know what to expect if you're going to be successful at getting off crack cocaine. Follow us for more information and resources on drug abuse and treatment.

Methamphetamine Can Cause Permanent Psychosis

Severe drug trips can lead to scary situations. People have been known to suffer from hallucinations and feel intense emotions. At times it almost seems like they are losing their minds literally and figuratively. The intensity of these "bad trips" varies from person to person. Different drugs also produce different effects. Methamphetamine or meth can cause particularly horrible bouts of psychosis.

Real-world Examples of Paranoia from Meth Use

Experts say that the net effect of meth on people is the same as that of an actual mental illness. Those who have used with the drug and recovered admit to having paranoid delusions. Conspiracy theories and fear of the police were just some of the things that wore them down. They lived in constant fear that they were being followed. Inanimate objects started to move in their head. Their health deteriorated to the point that they became grossly underweight and thoroughly unsociable. 

Meth as the Root Cause of Psychosis

Some drugs like marijuana and ecstasy can trigger psychotic symptoms but only with the aid of some other mechanism. This may be sleep deprivation or an underlying anxiety disorder. With meth, there is no doubt that the drug is the main cause of the psychosis. The symptoms appear regardless of the conditions surrounding a person. It is that potent and its effects are plainly bizarre. The paranoia makes users think that other people are always after them. Strange behaviors manifest from these fears.

Persistent Effects

What's even more alarming is that these bad drug trips can have lasting effects. The brain chemistry gets changed over time. Long-time users may succumb to permanent psychosis. Even those who do recover may suffer from depression. Meth is a stimulant that triggers an initial addictive high but it depletes dopamine in the process. This is the hormone that controls the brain's perception of pleasure and reward. Once the euphoria dies down, a feeling of deep sadness takes over that is difficult to shake off. It's vital for users to get immediate treatment to prevent this. 

If You Or A Loved One Is Suffering From Drug Or Alcohol Addiction Or Abuse, There Are Always Options For Help:

Opana Drug Abuse In Teenagers

 

Statistics from the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) show that Opana is one of the most abused prescription drugs in the U.S. The agency discovered an increase in the number of deaths associated with Opana, even though the drug was introduced into the U.S market in 2007.

Teens started abusing the Opana when OxyContin was formulated into pills that can be crashed and snorted or injected in liquid form. The Opana drug abuse rates compelled the OxyContin manufacturers to reformulate the painkiller pills into goo so as to curb abuse through injections or snorting.

Why Do Teens Abuse Opana?

OxyContin is actually a powerful painkiller that is chemically related to Opana and Heroin. Teenagers who abuse Opana tend to take more because the ecstasy that Opana produces doesn't last long as compared to that of OxyContin. Teens can slowly get addicted to Opana by taking small amounts in order to disguise, boredom, depression, anxiety and create an inner feeling safe from the real world.

According to the DEA most of the Opana traffickers in the streets get their suppliers from drug cartels and through forged prescriptions and robberies. Opana is usually sold at $1 per milligram.
Dangers of Opana abuse include low self esteem, reduced functionality of bodily responses such as urination and defection.

Signs for Teen addiction to Opana

If you see teens exhibiting the following behaviors then know that they are addicted and in need of medical help or even rehab.

• Using Opana more often or in larger amounts than prescribed
• Interacting Opana with alcohol or other addictive drugs
• Obtaining the drug from more than one doctor or clinic
• Buying the drug online
• Using Opana as a weight loss regimen
• Suffering from depression or anxiety
• Worrying about how to obtain the next dose of Opana
• Withdrawing from the rest of the family and being moody all the time
•Withdrawal symptoms like headaches whenever they don't abuse Opana

Some of the adverse side effects of Opana are life-threatening hence the need to quit early. If you want to get more information about Opana abuse and treatment contact us today.

The Mortal Dangers Of Special K Or Ketamine Abuse

 

Originally intended to be an anesthetic for use on animals, ketamine was found to be a hallucinogen in humans. While it is still sometimes used in animals, it's no longer intended for use in humans because of its hallucinogenic properties and the huge problems it has with addiction as well. Let's take a look at some more facts about this dangerous drug, sometimes called vitamin K.

It's An Animal Tranquilizer.

Commonly used as an animal tranquilizer to knock out and put to sleep in animal that is being aggressive, or getting ready for surgery, this drug comes in the form of a powder or liquid that can be mixed with food or injected, depending on the situation. When humans abuse this drug, sometimes called vitamin K or special K, it's typically mixed with heroin, cocaine, and even sometimes marijuana, for the added effects.

What To Look For In The Abuser.

The most obvious outside symptom, because of the hallucinations that this drug causes, is the delirium and wild ramblings that the user experiences. Other people around them will be wondering who the user is talking to, and what they're saying, in their delirium, they will have poor motor functions, difficulty walking and talking, and eventually exhibit amnesia, forgetting the whole episode. In cases of overdose the abuser may stop breathing and die, after all this is an anesthetic, not a drug to be messed with.

How To Get The Abuser Some Help.

Special K is not a drug that should be used or abused outside of the veterinary clinic. The slightest mistake in administration could result in an overdose leading to death. Anyone who is addicted to the drug is at substantial risk of an overdose, especially if they are taking additional doses of the drug while they're high.

It is extremely important that the abuser, or those around them, get help immediately, each and every time this drug is taken there is some risk of death. Call a healthcare provider, or drug abuse hotline, to get help from a qualified clinic near you.

What Is Ketamine and How Is It Abused?

Ketamine is a drug that's only legal if prescribed by a doctor. It's main use is to treat pain and it's often used when someone has an allergy to other types of anesthetics. Many people have taken to abusing ketamine due to its hallucinogenic properties.

On the street ketamine goes by many names including: Special K, and Vitamin K. It's popular like many other prescription drugs, because it's easier to get a hold of than other illegal recreational drugs. Like many other drugs and alcohol, an abuser will often need a higher and higher dosage to reach the same level of euphoria they initially had.

Although ketamine is a useful drug when used under the care of a doctor, it's used recreationally for the bizarre dreams and hallucinations it's known to cause. There are many side effects from ketamine and abusers can wind up in the hospital.

Although ketamine overdoes rarely cause death, there is no treatment other than to come down from the high under medical supervision. However, like many other prescription pain medications it can make the user dependent. This is where the abuse part comes in, as an abuser will try to find the drug through channels other than their doctor.

Abuse of ketamine is not as difficult to treat as other addictions. An abuser would likely need to enter a rehabilitation center to overcome their addiction under medical supervision. As long as there are no underlying mental health issues for the abuse, recovery time is usually quick.

Without proper medical supervision, ketamine can cause harm to the abuser as well as those around them due to the drug's hallucinogenic properties. It's not as dangerous as some other drugs, but an addiction problem should be addressed right away. With proper rehabilitation most abusers are able to overcome their addiction.

Three Reasons To Use Drug And Alcohol Treatment Centers

When you are able to have an occasional drink that will allow you to feel better about yourself after a long day of work, something that can happen when your muscles begin to relax which is a natural byproduct of having a drink, you might not have a problem with alcohol. However, if you were drinking alcohol every day simply because it's the only way that you can continued throughout the day, drinking before you go to work, drinking when you get home, or even when you get up in the morning, the reason that you may be doing this is because you are suffering from alcohol abuse. This article will present some alcohol abuse statistics that you should know about, along with alcohol abuse treatment centers that you might want to attend.

Alcohol And Drug Abuse Statistics

Statistics have shown that at least one in five adults must have a drink every single day as a result of conditioning that they have. This conditioning could be brought upon by having a very stressful job, having difficulty in their personal life, or simply wanting to feel better physically. If you are addicted to the point where you could be considered an alcoholic, where you need to have a drink just to function, this could lead to problems such as incapacitation, liver disease, and potentially losing your family and your job if you are ever drunk in these situations.

Treatment Centers For Alcohol Abuse

If you are willing to join an organization called Alcoholics Anonymous, you might be able to take care of your problem by doing this. However, if you can't join, or you cannot seem to get control over your situation, you might want to consider alcohol abuse treatment centers in your area. You can check into these facilities, stay for a few weeks, and get your life under control. They will gradually wean you of drinking alcohol on a regular basis, helping you to become functional with alcohol, the goal that most people tend to have when they realize they have a problem.

PCP Is a Very Addictive Drug That Is Better Avoided

 

Phencyclidine or PCP started out as an intravenous anesthetic but because it had side effect like mania, delirium and hallucinations, was soon discontinued for general use. The fact that it causes users to feel detached, estranged from surroundings and distant and made them feel strong led to it being used by substance users. It also leads to hallucinations that such people look for. This substance in street terms is also called Angel dust or Wack, besides others like Peace Pill, Rocket fuel and Hog. Many users combine it with marijuana.

PCP can affect the nervous system by decreasing the amino acid, called glutamate, to the brain. This is what causes all the effects like lack of balance, pain perception and hallucinations. When used with other drugs or even if used alone, PCP is a very addictive drug that can cause users to become violent or suicidal.

The effects can last for years even after use of the drug is stopped. Such people will exhibit signs of memory loss, have difficulty in speaking, be periodically depressed, lose weight suddenly, have difficulty in walking, and have mood swings and continuous bouts of vomiting and nausea.

The drug is highly addictive and does require immediate treatment. Treatment allows user to detoxify their bodies and gives them additional means to combat the addiction. Inpatient programs are the best, though outpatient programs with a lot of family support can also help in substance abuse treatment. It is most important to continually monitor the progress of the patients so that do not relapse and go back to their old habits.

It is felt that the party scene is responsible for the wide use of drugs, coupled with peer pressure. But unless users become aware of their own addiction and decide that they need help to overcome it, treatment can be difficult.