Components of Addiction Treatment
Components of Drug Addiction Treatment A variety of drug addiction treatments exist. They vary slightly depending on a number of factors. Some of these include the type of substance being abused, the specific problems and needs of the patient and the patient’s gender and age. All of these factors and many more determine the type of treatment best suited to each individual. However, there are some familiar components of all. Whatever the particular method, most are based on science and medical research. Behavioral therapy and counseling are the cornerstones of successful treatments. Individual and group therapy help the addict to identify his triggers, understand his illness and learn coping mechanisms so he can make progress in his recovery....
Parent Behavior and Teen Substance Abuse
Parent Behavior and Teen Substance Abuse A national survey taken annually by the “Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse” (CASA) has recently found that there is a direct correlation between parental expectations and teen drug abuse. 15 years of these annual surveys make them believe that a child who can make it to age 21 without smoking, using and/or abusing drugs is more likely never going to start up the habit. This year alone, 1,000 teenagers ages 12-17, (509 Boys and 491 Girls) were surveyed along with 452 of their parents. If the parent drinks openly at home it was found that 2/3 of teens that drink an alcoholic beverage at least once a month, are also getting drunk once a month. These teens are 18 times more likely to use Marijuana and are...
Drug addiction and the Elderly
Drug Abuse and the Elderly You wouldn’t likely suspect your mother or grandmother of having a drug dependency, yet studies show that addiction among the elderly is climbing. Older generations aren’t abusing illicit drugs like the young. Symptoms of anxiety and sleepless nights are being treated with prescriptions of Xanax, Valium and other benzodiazepines that are meant for short-term management of these conditions. Unfortunately, older patients are taking them daily whether they need them or not-much like pills they take for long-term disorders like high blood pressure-and the abuse is going largely unnoticed. Why? Several reasons, actually. Doctors may be completely unaware or too busy to notice. Others find the task of...
From User to Addict
From User to Addict Many times the question is asked: How many times do you have to take a drug before you become addicted to it? There are no easy answers, but understanding how substance abuse affects the brain may help you to make wise decisions to avoid any and all casual drug use. Illicit drugs change the way your brain functions. The number of times a person has to “get high” before the brain becomes damaged varies between individuals but the sad outcome is still the same. What started out as casual use becomes a constant craving that cannot be subdued unless the brain is fed more and more doses of the drug. You are now an addict with a haywire brain. Here’s how it works. You ingest, smoke, and snort the drug. The brain...
Do you have a drinking problem?
Do You Have A Drinking Problem? Alcohol is socially acceptable and it’s legal. It’s also fine in moderation and even desirable in certain social settings and celebrations. Jokes and anecdotes abound that make light of getting drunk and the consequences of doing so. Unfortunately because alcohol use is such a large part of our culture, abuse of it may go undetected until it’s too late. How do you know for sure if you have a drinking problem? The following questions will help you determine where you stand. Has the thought crossed your mind that you should cut down on your drinking? Do people criticize your drinking habits? If people do criticize your drinking, does it make you angry? Do you sometimes feel ashamed of your...
Latchkey kids and drug abuse
Unsupervised Kids and Drugs Approximately seven and a half million kids between the ages of 5 and 14 in the United States are latchkey kids. In today’s economy it’s a situation that can’t be helped as both parents or single parents must work full time to provide for their families. Studies show that children left alone after school have a ten percent greater chance of trying drugs, alcohol and cigarettes compared to those who are involved in supervised activities. How can you protect your child? · Involve your children in sports, youth groups and other adult supervised, after school activities. If your child must be alone, make sure he’s busy with homework and chores...