Addiction Rehab Help » The nature of addiction

Parent Behavior and Teen Substance Abuse

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:41:26 +0000

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 also at higher risk to associate with kids who use other illegal and prescription drugs.

Compared against teens with parents who do not openly drink in front of their children, it is concluded that teens that have seen their parents drink alcohol are twice as likely to use alcohol themselves, and three times as likely to use Marijuana. Also, kids with parents who say future drug use by their son or daughter will happen are 10 times more likely to use drugs than teens whose parents say that it will never happen. Around 96% of the parents surveyed thought that it was very important for their children to abstain from Marijuana use, but only about half thought it was a reasonable expectation of them to actually never experiment with it. And although, most of these parents think that marijuana use is harmful to kids ages 12-17, about a quarter of them think it’s a normal part of being a teenager.

The results of this analysis show that it is important that both parents, especially Dad, send the right message to their kids; convincing them to avoid alcohol and other drugs. The connection between Dad’s acceptance of teen drinking and teens that actually drink is very profound. It is noted that twenty-one percent of teens who drink say their father would approve of it, compared to the five percent of teens who don’t drink that believe there father would approve of their underage drinking. It is also perceived that teenage boys are much more likely to believe that their fathers approve of their drinking than that of teenage girls.

If you feel your son or daughter is abusing alcohol or drugs it is very important to seek the best treatment possible. The longer you wait the more difficult it is to solve.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor please call us today. 1-877-744-3536

Teenage drug and alcohol abuse

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 18:33:08 +0000

Is Your Teen Abusing Drugs?

Recognizing addictive behaviors in teens is imperative in order for them to get the help they need. Unfortunately it isn’t always easy. Teenagers tend to be surly, distant and secretive in general. Knowing the difference between normal adolescent developmental behavior and something more sinister can be difficult but it’s not impossible.

School Daze

A sudden and drastic change in behaviors at school is often the first indication that something is wrong. Missing classes or skipping the day entirely, failing grades in students who used to get high marks and becoming disinterested in activities formerly enjoyed may be indicative of drug use.

Poor Health

Lethargy, sleeplessness or sleeping too much, drastic weight loss and lack of appetite can signal trouble in teens. There may be a legitimate medical reason so don’t rule that out altogether. Seek the advice of a physician if your teen exhibits any of these symptoms.

Appearances

Most teens are meticulous about their grooming. If yours suddenly becomes slovenly and unkempt, or goes for days without bathing and grooming, drug use may be to blame. But again, this is also a sign of illness such as depression so be sure to investigate further.

Privacy and Secrecy

Although part of the normal development of adolescents, extremely guarding their privacy and intentionally keeping you out of the loop could be signs of drug use. A sudden change in friends and the withdrawal from family members and activities and drastic changes in behavior are clear signs that something is up.

Money

Teen drug users often ask for more money but give very lame reasons why they need it. You may also notice money and valuable items missing from places that were previously safe to keep them. It isn’t difficult for a teen to pawn valuables in order to get money to buy drugs.

If you suspect your teenager is using drugs it’s important that you enlist the help of healthcare professionals trained to deal with drug abuse in young people. Time is of the essence and putting it off will only make it harder for him to recover fully. It’s not easy for a parent to admit her teen has a drug problem, but denying it could be fatal.

Finding help for teen age drug abuse

Finding the right Rehabilitation Center for a teenager is not something to take lightly; you need honest information from a professional addiction counselor that has experience in this area.

For help finding teenage addiction treatment please call us today; 1-877-744-3536

Are you an Addict?

admin — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 00:07:05 +0000

Are You An Addict?

Sometimes it isn’t easy to see when we’re looking at ourselves. Denial is common among those who abuse drugs and alcohol and their friends and family may not want to see the problem either. If you think you may be developing a problem with drugs or alcohol, or if you know someone that may be, ask the following questions.

Do I use regularly? Or do I use more than other people?

Whether it’s several times a day or even just once daily, if you feel that you have to have this drug or drink on a regular basis, you may be dependent.

Can I stop using the drug on my own? Have I stopped using drugs or alcohol for extended periods of time in the past several months?

Failure to discontinue use on your own is a sign of trouble. Casual users can take it or leave it. Those who are addicted cannot stop using and using the drug occupies their thoughts almost constantly.

Do I spend money I don’t have on the drug?

If you’re behind on your rent and your bills are going to collection because you spend that money to obtain drugs or alcohol, you need help.

Am I engaging in behavior I never thought I would?

Addicts often steal, sell belongings and resort to degrading practices such as prostitution in order to purchase drugs.

Do I feel anxious when my supply runs low?

Those who are dependent on drugs work hard to keep a constant supply available. Feelings of anxiety or panic and distress often occur when the user realizes that his supply is dwindling.

Do I resort to getting high every time I’m faced with a problem?

Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol at the slightest provocation may be a warning sign. Almost everyone at one time or another has “had a few too many” when something devastating has happened in their lives. But if you reach for drugs and alcohol every time a problem is the least bit distressing, it may be a sign of addiction.

Is all my time focused on getting and using drugs?

Typically a drug addict will spend most of his waking hours chasing down drugs so he can get high.

If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, you may have a drug or alcohol dependency that needs to be treated. To find a quality drug and alcohol rehabilitation program contact a professional addiction counselor. Not all rehab programs are the same, there are many different methods of treatment and there is not one that is right for everyone.

To speak to a professional addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

Crack-Just One Hit

admin — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 22:04:24 +0000

Crack – Just One Hit

When I was 41 years old I was a successful businessman, I had a nice house, two new cars a great wife and a fifteen year old son. I had a job that most people could only dream of and a salary to match. I had drank a lot back in my twenties but never let it get out of control, my family has a history of alcoholism and that was always in the back of my mind, so I always controlled my drinking. To say I was a control freak is putting it mildly; I was in control of every aspect of my life from the time I got up in the morning to when I closed my eyes at night. I was for the most part a “stick in the mud” in most people’s opinion, but I was okay with that, I had a plan and I was sticking to it. At that point I was on track to retire by the age of 50 and spend the rest of my life in a sunny place with a lot of golf courses.

I often traveled for business and as with most business; entertainment was always part of closing the deal. This usually meant going to a bar drinking a little too much and going back to the hotel room and waking up hung-over and being pissed at myself for not controlling myself better. One night after a large closing I was invited out with a group of clients to celebrate, the celebration went late into the night and I had let myself drink way too much, someone offered a line of coke and I did not even think it through I just took it. A short time later a crack pipe came out, honestly I looked at it like okay which end do I put in my mouth, I had no idea how the process even worked. Well, someone was “nice enough” to show me the way a crack pipe worked and I took a big virgin lung hit of what turned out to be really pure crack………the first thought that came to mind after the rush slowed enough for me to think was… I want more… right now.

Many people say that you can become addicted to crack from just one hit, well I am here to tell you it is true. One hit of crack brought me down a road I never thought my life would go down. From losing my job, my wife, the house, the cars and nearly my life.. within 3 years it was all gone, all because of that first hit. I could tell you stories of the money I spent or the paranoia and the shame and guilt that come with crack addiction, but it would not make sense to someone that has not been there, and if you have been there you already know the feeling of total hopelessness. When the money is gone and everything else that you have worked so hard to achieve in your life and all you can think of is how do I get more crack. I have to get more crack just to kill these thoughts in my head. I need to get high just one more time.

Crack addiction is an addiction that needs long term rehabilitation, the thoughts of that first high will remain with you forever, but with the right drug rehabilitation center you can learn how to live a normal productive life without the drug. My family picked me up from my lowest point and brought me to a Rehabilitation Center 6 years ago, I was there for nearly 4 months. Slowly I am rebuilding my life only this time by helping others not by controlling others. Drug Rehabilitation was not something I ever thought I would need in my life but one hit of crack changed everything.

If you need help or if you know someone that does contact the number below and let them guide you to the best “Drug Rehabilitation Center” for your needs, the same way they did my family.

To speak to an addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

admin — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 18:08:58 +0000

To speak to an addiction counselor call 1-877-744-3536

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

Many people are exposed to high levels of trauma on a near daily basis, Doctors, nurses, firemen, policemen, people in the military and paramedics all fall into this category. Addiction Rehabilitation Help for such individuals that suffer from PTSD can be tricky.

What makes drug rehab for professionals such as this so difficult is that their very careers contribute to their desire to self medicate. Think of the emergency room of a hospital and how stressful the environment can be to doctors and nurses. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is common among healthcare workers and other professionals because they are exposed to the very worst of human tragedies; and they are exposed very often.

Not only is alcohol and substance abuse a worrisome occurrence among these professionals; it’s a threat to public safety. An impaired surgeon or nurse could theoretically injure or accidentally kill a patient if under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Those who rescue others in danger likewise could make a serious mistake that could cost civilian lives. Impaired police officers and firefighters for example have to make quick decisions at times. When under the influence public safety is threatened.

Accessibility might make treatment difficult for people with PTSD. Healthcare professionals for example have access and it’s not uncommon for their peers to “look the other way” or to even enable them to use drugs. Doctors can write prescriptions for other doctors and nurses and so forth. Not to mention that although inventory is taken regularly, small amounts missing might not be noticed or even recorded. Also people diagnosed with PTSD are able to get many different prescriptions from their medical professionals such as anxiety medication that are very addictive as well.

What is the best drug rehab or drug addiction treatment for these professionals? By far the best strategy is individualized treatment that begins early after a particularly traumatic event. Since substance abuse and addiction starts out very slowly and progresses over time with such professionals the best cure, so to speak, is prevention. When counseling is sought early on, many of the pitfalls can be avoided that plague those who never received specialized counseling after experiencing traumatic events.

More than one type of treatment strategy may be needed in order to cover the broad scope of events and issues that face those in healthcare and other public service careers. PTSD is a complex disorder that, if left untreated for long, can take many years to overcome and often leads to drug addiction. In the cases that lead to addiction, addiction rehab treatment is absolutely necessary, not only to save the professional who is addicted, but also for the welfare of those who they interact with every day.

PTSD is not limited to these professionals; many people have suffered tragic events in their lives from abuse to accidents, events such as this can also lead to PTSD. Finding the right Addiction Rehab Center for someone with PTSD is critical, not all rehab centers deal with the individual needs of each addict. For more information on PTSD and Addiction Rehab Help please call and speak to an addiction counselor today.

Call 1-877-744-3536

Or fill in the form below and a professional addiction counselor will contact you.

Prescription Drug Abuse: Legal and Dangerous

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 17:43:00 +0000

Prescription Drug Addiction: Legal and Dangerous

Drug abuse of any kind is dangerous and we are well aware of the effects of illicit drug addiction on society as a whole. But what if your drug dealer is your physician?

Prescription drug addiction is on the rise but people seem reluctant to talk about it One reason for this may be the fact that the family doctor is the one who prescribed the legal medications. Patients unwittingly believe that their prescription drugs are basically harmless simply because they came from a healthcare professional.

Since taking the medicine helps patients feel better, they start using these pills beyond the prescribed limits and without the knowledge or guidance of their doctors. Often what starts as pain management or short-term treatment for anxiety or sleep disorders with legal narcotics leads to addiction. Sometimes without the patient’s awareness until one day he realizes he cannot live without the drug and detox and drug rehabilitation is needed.

There are many prescription drugs that can be abused but the most common groups are opiates, depressants and stimulants. Doctors prescribe opiates to treat moderate to extreme pain, usually after a surgery or for an illness where pain is one of the symptoms. Medicines that fall in this group are OxyContin, Darvon, Precocet and Vicodin to name just a few of the more popular drugs.

Prolonged use of opiates often leads to addiction and physical dependence. Patients who suddenly stop using these drugs suffer bone and muscle pain, vomiting, restlessness and hot and cold flashes and in some cases seizure and death.

One of the biggest dangers with opiates is that the patient builds a tolerance over time and a higher dose of the drug is needed to achieve the desired effect. Taking larger doses of these drugs can cause respiratory problems and even death. Opiates when taken as prescribed and under medical supervision for a short period of time can be safe and beneficial. Addiction to this type of medication can come as soon as 7 to 10 days of continued use, (sometimes sooner every individual is different).

Doctors prescribe medication like Ativan, Diastat, Valium, Librium and Xanax to treat anxiety and sleep disorders. These drugs are as addictive as opiates and they have very difficult withdraw issues. This class of drugs is called Benzodiazepines and they should never be prescribed for longer than three months, these depressants work by slowing down or decreasing brain activity. Withdraw can include seizures and extreme confusion, the line between reality and fiction is sometimes blurred to a point of not knowing or not trusting people that are very close to you. Those who take these drugs feel calm or drowsy, thus it helps them overcome their anxiety or insomnia. If patients use these drugs on a long-term basis, the body develops tolerance to them. Larger doses are thus required to get the earlier calming effect and this leads to dependence. Without the drugs the patient is convinced he cannot relax or sleep.

Some people are prescribed stimulants to treat various problems like ADHD, obesity, asthma, depression and other ailments. Drugs such as Dexedrine, Ritalin and Adderall enhance brain activity, thus increasing alertness and energy. Use of these drugs leads to a spike in blood pressure and heart rate, which in turn gives the patient a sense of euphoria. Such wonderful feelings are difficult to pass up, which makes stimulants very dangerous to patients who are not being monitored closely.

Stimulant prescription drug addicts become hostile, paranoid and even violent. Irregular heartbeat, cardiovascular failure or seizures and death can occur when high doses of a stimulant drug are taken.

Prescription drug addiction can be treated, yet the availability of legal drugs, not only from physicians but even on the street can make recovery difficult, though far from impossible. The first step, as with any other form of addiction is to recognize the problem and find a suitable addiction rehabilitation program. Treatments consist of detoxification, in-patient addiction rehabilitation and follow up care. Detox is done under medical supervision and patients are normally given medication to ease the symptoms of withdrawal. The duration of detox varies, depending on the type of addiction that a person has.

Once a qualified drug rehab program is complete it is important to inform any new physicians you may consult that you had a problem with prescription drug abuse. This will allow the doctor to use care if ever there is a need once again to prescribe habit forming prescription drugs.

For more information on prescription drug abuse and drug rehabilitation centers please call 1-877-744-3536 or fill out the form below and a professional addiction counselor will contact you.

Is Alcoholics Anonymous a viable option?

admin — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 01:01:55 +0000

Alcoholics Anonymous: A Viable Outpatient Program?

Bill Wilson, an alcoholic whose disease nearly and completely ruined his life, founded alcoholics Anonymous in 1935. Inspired by an old pal he used to drink with who had since found sobriety through spiritual awakening, he founded AA slowly with a handful of members. The premise behind the group was to help alcoholics stay sober by sharing their experiences with other alcoholics and by lending support to one another. Today, there are chapters of AA all over the world with upwards of 2 million members. The big question: Is Alcoholics Anonymous a viable outpatient program for alcohol addiction treatment? The answers may vary.

AA is a self-supporting non-charitable organization that relies solely on donations from active members. Those taking the lead in each chapter are volunteers who are actually encouraged to remain sober by engaging in the assistance of helping others. These men and women are not trained professionals. Consequently it isn’t unreasonable to wonder whether a group being lead by others who are suffering from the same affliction can really be effective. One might conclude it’s like the blind leading the blind.

Measuring the effectiveness of AA is difficult because the meetings are “anonymous” and studies on attendees have been sketchy at best. There is a comfort and strength in being among others who share the same struggles, triggers, and ultimately the goal of staying sober—come what may.

As an alcohol addiction treatment option, AA appeals to those who are trying to put their lives back together, but still need to function at work and at home. Those who act as sponsors have been sober for at least one year and agree to be at the beck and call of newer members who are trying to get over the initial hump of sobriety, or detox. Of course a relapse can occur at any time no matter how long a person has remained in a state of sobriety.

Studies that have been conducted do show a correlation between the AA program and abstinence from alcohol. Participation is voluntary and free, which makes this particular alcohol addiction treatment attractive for those who, though not full blown alcoholics in the strictest sense, may need to get a handle on their drinking habits. However the phrase “My name is ________ and I am an alcoholic” has to be said before speaking in an A.A. meeting, also you have to agree that “Alcoholism is a disease and that you are powerless over your addiction”. Many in house rehabilitation centers do not believe that you are powerless over anything in your life. In most cases these in house alcohol rehabilitation centers run much higher success rates than any outpatient program could offer. However;

the twelve steps developed for AA encourages users to accept accountability for their actions and make amends to loved ones they may have hurt when they were using. The spiritual nature of the program is also of great comfort to many.

If you or someone you know needs to find encouragement and support for a drinking problem, Alcoholics Anonymous meetings are conducted in virtually every city in the nation and the program is a free, viable, outpatient resource for recovering alcoholics.

For more information on Alcohol Addiction and Alcohol Rehabilitation call 1-877-744-3536 to speak to an addiction counselor or fill in the form below and a counselor will contact you.

Rapid Detox

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:57:27 +0000

Rapid Detox

Ultra Rapid Detox, or Rapid Drug Detox, is a somewhat newer alternative for drug rehab that involves putting a patient who is addicted to opiates, prescription painkillers or other habit-forming drugs under a general anesthesia in a hospital. This is done with anesthesiologists and nurses who are trained to perform this type of procedure.

Once under the general anesthesia, the patient is given a drug that counteracts the drug to which he or she is addicted. While the person is in this drug-induced coma, he or she can avoid experiencing the various physically painful and uncomfortable aspects of detox, such as shaking, sweating and delirium tremors. The body goes through some of this process while the person is still in a drug induced coma. When the person is taken out of the Drug induced coma it is not the end of all withdraw symptoms, the addict is still going to be very uncomfortable and still experience many of the same symptoms of withdraw as he would have without going through the drug induced coma.

Though the owners of these clinics make rapid detox an attractive alternative to traditional methods, it must be noted that therapy and other related aids to recovery are also needed. Lifestyle changes will need to be made and a patient must take responsibility for his recovery and understand his disease so that he can successfully manage his now sober life. Psychological triggers have to be addressed and healthy coping skills adopted.

A recovering addict must learn a new routine; otherwise he may slip back into old patterns that lead to his drug use and addiction. Daily habits may need to be restructured so that reminders of his past drug use do not bombard him.

With a sudden change, such as occurs from Rapid Detox, it may be harder for the patient to avoid returning to drugs than if he was weaned gradually. Such a quick and painless detox could be compared to an antidote. It can be argued that this kind of detox is not as effective as one in which the addict has to endure the physical withdrawal. Some think it is necessary to work through it and learn that if he or she goes back to the destructive behavior again, those are the consequences that will be suffered the next time.

Finally, as promising as this may be, it is not considered to be a mainstream form of treatment for addictions. There are many others available which are successful and much easier for a person to gain access. Also, there is always a risk to the patient who is put under a general anesthesia. For those considering a treatment option such as rapid detox, it would be wise to weigh the various alternatives in treatment that are available and speak to qualified professionals in order to make an informed decision.

For more information about rapid detox and to speak to a professional drug and alcohol counselor please call:1-877-744-3536

Medications used in the treatment of alcoholism

admin — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:30:18 +0000

Medications Used In Treatment Of Alcoholism

Many alcohol addiction treatments exist. Inpatient, Outpatient and residential and of course the well known “Twelve Step” programs such as AA. One option that may not be as well known is that of treating alcohol addiction with medications.

Several oral medications have been approved and have been shown to be effective in controlling alcohol dependence. Disulfiram, naltrexone and acamprosate as they are called by their generic names. An inject able form of naltrexone is also available and has a long acting effect.

Medications for alcohol addiction treatment work in several ways depending upon which medication is used and the stage of the alcoholic’s addiction. For example, disulfiram discourages drinking because when alcohol is introduced into the system of the patient taking this drug, he become violently ill. Such physical discomfort is a strong deterrent.

Naltrexone can greatly reduce the cravings of a patient who has stopped drinking and acamprosate is used primarily to treat the depression and anxiety that often follows when a patient stops drinking for a long period of time. All three approved medications have been a helpful aid in keeping the patient from relapsing into heavy drinking and remaining abstinent.

Other medications can be used to treat the symptoms of withdrawal such as insomnia, shakiness, anxiety, depression and mood swings. However, it must be understood that there is no such thing as a “cure” for alcoholism and no “magic pill” that will instantly make abstaining from alcohol a piece of cake. Long term abstinence requires a strong commitment to getting well.

Can medications alone help in the recovery process? Not likely, but again the outcome would depend on the severity of the disease. How successful alcohol addiction treatment is depends on the patients particular needs and length of illness. Private counseling sessions along with group therapy or a positive Twelve Step program can compliment the use of medications and make recovery smoother and longer lasting with less chance of relapse.

Alcohol and drug abuse more often than not are triggered be deep emotional wounds or issues that have never been dealt with. Clinical depression is responsible for 80% of those who suffer from alcohol addiction. Others grew up in a home where one or both parents was an alcoholic or drug addict.

Until the patient can derecognize and define the moments the preceded his desire to abuse alcohol any treatment will simply be a stop gap. Long term sobriety is easier to accomplish when the patient through counseling and group therapy can understand his illness and the emotional and environmental triggers that encourage his drinking.

Alcohol addiction can be successfully treated. Recovering alcoholics can lead wonderful, productive lives again and families can be put back together and learn to function in a healthy manner. Programs such as Al-Anon and Alateen are excellent for helping family and friends of a person suffering from addiction, to be able to cope.

Researching and mapping out a treatment plan that works in harmony with the needs of the patient, and the loving support of family and friends are the key to getting well for life.

For help finding the best Drug and Alcohol Rehabilitation center for your specific needs please call:

1-877-744-3536

Addiction in the Workplace

admin — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 16:28:05 +0000

Drug and alcohol abuse affects professionals throughout the Nation and is a serious workplace issue.

Of the 16.7 million illicit drug users aged 18 or older, 12.4 million (74.3%) were employed either full or part time, according to government statistics.
More than one in three (38%) working professionals between the ages of 18 and 25 are binge drinkers.
There are several industries, were the highest rates of current illicit drug use and heavy drinking were reported:
1. Food Services & Entertainers (19%);
2. Industrial Professionals (14%);
3. Service occupations (13%);
4. And Logistics & Transportation (10%).

Employers are taking stronger measures to increase awareness about drug abuse and are taking more action to address the costs of substance abuse in terms of employees’ health and productivity.

Six out of every ten adults know someone who has reported for work while under the influence of drink or drugs, according to professional drug rehab counselors. The impact on those with the problem as well as their colleagues is pretty substantial. And in financial terms, alcohol and drug abuse is estimated to cost U.S. business over $81 billion each year in lost productivity, and causes employers to suffer a 300% increase in medical costs and benefits. For example, up to 40% of industrial fatalities and 47% of industrial injuries can be linked to drug abuse and alcoholism. Drug abusers in the workplace are 5 times more likely to file claims for worker’s compensation, and use 2 1/2 times the amount of medical benefits of other employees.

According to the Labor Department, more than five million of the country’s estimated nine million employed drug abusers work for small companies.

Many employers are now taking a very active role in educating their workforce and considering alternative support options before terminating their employees.

To find the best rehabilitation center for you or an employee, please call one of our addiction counselors at 1-877-744-3536.

Or fill in and submit the form below and one of our addiction counselors will contact you in a timely manner.