Peer Pressure and Drug Use

While it may seem as if drug use is under control, each day someone tries drugs for the first time and becomes addicted. If we know that drugs are bad for us, then why do we continue to insist on getting involved in them? It cannot be stressed enough how important it is for parents to talk to their children. The problem with today's children and teens lies in the fact that many parents work full time jobs. We no longer live in a world where only one parent leaves for work in the morning. Rather, now we have to contend with both parents working (sometimes two full-time jobs). So, then if this is the case- who is watching the kids? Exactly.

It starts off innocently enough. A child or teenager is hanging out with their friends at someone's house or after school hours when suddenly someone produces a pack of cigarettes. Before long, the cigarettes are passed out and everyone is taking a drag. But the question still remains: "Why do kids feel the need to try drugs or alcohol?" Perhaps the answer lies in the fact that often times, children witness their parents doing things that they shouldn't be doing such as drinking alcohol or smoking in front of them.

A different type of situation that many teens find themselves in where they are faced with the decision to do drugs and/or alcohol are at parties. It is really the parent's responsibility (not the school's) to sit down with their child and talk to them face-to-face about the inherent dangers of doing drugs and drinking alcohol. There is a reason why there are age restrictions on when you are legally allowed to purchase cigarettes and alcohol. However, despite this fact, kids still find loopholes and ways of getting around it. For some, this temporary rebellion against their parents can have catastrophic setbacks. Year after year, kids become embroiled in drugs. Some join drug gangs and still others learn an even harder lesson when accidental overdoses lead to premature death.

Schools have tried to take the initiative to offset drug use among the youth by providing mandatory classes on the dangers of drug use but still the problem remains. Ultimately, the only thing that seems to curtail drug use and alcoholism is early intervention by parents who are not only there for their kids but who care enough to talk to them about the dangers behind drug and alcohol abuse. There will eventually come a point in a child's life when what their parents say to them won't carry nearly as much weight. If we can even help just one child know not only the difference between right and wrong but also help them to have the confidence and strength of character to refuse drugs and alcohol when offered, then we will truly be making headway. Until then, all we can do is continue to be shining examples of how mature adults should behave and hope for the best.

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Celebrities and Drug Use

Ah, celebrities and drug use. It seems that every time we turn on the television or watch the news or read the latest tabloid, there is at least one celebrity (if not more) who is entering into or just getting out of some sort of drug rehab facility or drug treatment center. We saw this (and continue to see it) happen to singer, songwriter, Amy Winehouse. Is it just me or does it seem as if celebrities don't care about their image?

Contrary to popular belief, the life of a celebrity isn't all fun and games. It is a life that is often filled with gruesome schedules, all nighters, back to back traveling, photo shoots, plane flights across the country and constant attention in the spotlight. After a while, all of the pressures that so many celebrities face begins to wear thin. Maybe celebrities should get more sleep. One thing is for sure; money cannot buy you happiness...but it sure can buy you drugs along with whatever other material things tickle your fancy.

So, then why is it that so many celebrities can't seem to get it together? Perhaps this will remain a mystery. Maybe they spend a little too much time in character. Look at the last celebrity struggle with drugs: Lindsay Lohan. We watched as this young, budding female start took to the silver screen and grew up before our eyes. Everyone has issues- whether it's with their parents, friends or other family members. However the difference between a regular person versus a celebrity is that most of us cannot afford a drug-ridden life style. When you are a celebrity, you have everything right there at your fingertips. All you have to do is say the magic word or words to the right person and you can pretty much get whatever it is your heart desires.

Perhaps celebrities let stardom go to their heads. Nowadays, whenever there is a new, young starlet, I cringe. I try, like so many other regular non-celebrity people, to not get my hopes up on this one. I do this because it is only a matter of time before something happens to sully that person's once sparkling reputation. When you or I become involved in relationships and break up, no one knows about it unless we tell them. We are emotionally distraught, but most of our mourning is done in private until we are ready to move on. This is not the case in the life of a celebrity. For celebrities, everything is under the microscope. From the birth of Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt's kids to the death of Cameron Diaz's father, we, the American public are there with our prying eyes wondering whether or not our favorite celebrity will be able to make it through another day.

The problem with celebrities and drug use is that many of them think that they are above the law. This is clearly not the case though because 'yes,' even celebrities can and will wind up in jail.

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Drug Rehab Programs - How Effective Are They?

Once you get "hooked" on a drug, which means you long for it and crave for it again and again over a substantial period of time, then you are generically termed as "addicted" to that drug. It makes no difference whether the drug is legal or illegal, as long as taking it gives you the certain "high" or "low" that you desire, otherwise you would get tremors or would mimic a deranged individual.

There are many kinds of drug addiction or dependency. Others are drug dependent to cope depression or anxiety. Others do it for physical and mental stimulation. Or others constantly need drugs to fall asleep. No matter what the case may be, drug addiction is a chain that is hard to break free from. Once addiction is exceedingly grave, it can be like falling into a deep abyss and emerging from it can be an agonizing process. Once you are hooked into drugs, it is best to resort to a drug rehab program. A drug rehab program aims to rehabilitate you from your chronic drug addiction. A drug rehab program is not only for the purpose of "unhooking" a person from legal or illegal drugs. It is applied even to alcohol and nicotine addicts as well as those who are dependent on other psychoactive substances.

A drug rehab program involves medical treatment as well as support, counseling and therapy. Rehabilitation clinics, sober houses, care centers and local support groups are possible recourses for a drug rehab program. As your drug, alcohol or nicotine addiction affect you on physical and psychological aspects, you need to check yourself into a drug rehab program. The first step in the whole process of liberating yourself from drug addiction is to ADMIT that you are an addict. When you let yourself in into a drug rehab program, you will not only be treated of your addiction, but you will be conditioned to cope with what has become a disorder as well.

Even after a long and efficient drug rehab program treatment, a relapse is possible. You can fall into the abyss of drug addiction once again and all that you have worked hard for can go to waste. Drug addiction is an uphill battle, and so is getting into a drug rehab program. When you are rehabilitated for drug addiction, the treatment involves two aspects- physical treatment through withdrawal and detoxification and psychological support for prevention of a relapse. In most cases, a professional's approach for a drug rehab program depends on the substance the patient is addicted to and its side effects.

In a majority of cases, pharmacotherapy has been proven to be effective. In relation to a person's symptoms and the treatment's side effects on the central nervous system, three approaches of medical treatment are utilized in a drug rehab program:

1. CNS depressants are used with minor to severe side effects. They affect blood pressure, body temperature and heart rate. CNS depressants pharmacotherapy can be life threatening.
2. CNS stimulants can cause depression, thoughts of suicide, paranoid delusions and psychosis.
3. Opioids have minor to severe side effects. Buprenorphine, a milder opioid, is the most recently approved drug in the US to treat heroin dependency.

Counseling, therapy sessions, support groups and other forms of psychological treatment succeed and complete a drug rehab program. This is a central and indispensable phase in the whole process of drug addiction treatment.

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Parental Obligation in Drug Abuse Prevention

Children as young as 8th graders are now capable of drug abuse. The drug called Ecstasy/MDMA is now being experimented on by these curious children. But is it really just curiosity that led them to experiment with and abuse this drug? More often than not, parents can be so preoccupied with their jobs or their social lives, their personal or marital issues that they begin to neglect their children. Childhood and adolescence is actually a crucial phase of character formation and as such, serious issues can arise if adolescents are not guided accordingly. Matters like peer pressure, school performance, depression and search for identity are real life issues for adolescents.

When unable to cope as there is no parental support or supervision, adolescents can possibly turn to drug abuse. Ecstasy which can be in the form of a tablet or capsule can induce mental stimulation, a warm, fuzzy emotional feeling, enhanced sensory perceptiveness and heightened physical energy. This "hype" can provide excitement for drug abusers, or it can be a relief for their emotional burden. Ecstasy abuse has adverse effects such as nausea, teeth clenching, chills, muscle cramps, sweating and blurred vision which can be detrimental with prolonged use. Drug abuse can possibly lead to drug addiction. How would you feel as a parent if as early as 12 years old, your child is already introduced to potential drug addiction? Drug addiction is almost always destructive leading to unhappiness and a poor quality of life - and it starts with drug abuse.

If you have any suspicions or discover that your child is into drug abuse, it is expedient that you take preventive measures before the problem gets out of hand. Drug abuse is a problem that can become an endless predicament not only for your child but for your family as well. The first step to consider is to include a family based drug abuse prevention program wherein you initially improve your family bonding and relationship. Family bonding will serve as the cornerstone for parent-child relationship. Parents must also strive to learn and enhance parenting skills through education and awareness. As you become better parents, inculcate an open line of communication with your child as you freely discuss and enforce family policies on drug abuse.

It is foremostly essential that parents are properly educated and informed about abuse of drugs. Make it an effort to be involved in your child's affairs and issues and support them as well. Aside from that, always make time for careful parental monitoring of your child's activities. Drug abuse prevention starts in the home and it would be wise for parents to participate in a drug abuse prevention program. Enrolling in this program can make a remarkable difference between you and your child's personal relationship, and not only on matters of drug abuse. This sets the foundation for an emotionally secure adolescent who will see no need to resort to drugs to cope with their issues.

A drug abuse prevention program can give tremendous benefits such as parents being able to set rules and discipline for the child and being able to talk with them about drug abuse. It would also enable the parents to monitor their child's activities and friends as well as understanding their problems and concerns and becoming involved in their learning. Being a parent entails a great responsibility in securing a stable and well-rounded character for your child that goes beyond adolescence.

skin care 2009 news

Are New Bodybuilding Drugs Safe For Bodybuilders?

Many bodybuilders are using a new drug called human growth hormone, or HGH, to improve their bodybuilding performance.

Human growth hormone is naturally produced by your body's pituitary gland. When that happens, your liver also releases IGF-1. After puberty, the levels lessen and you stop growing new muscle cells. After that point, all you can do is strengthen the muscles you have. Human growth hormone can be used to increase muscle mass. In that way, you can fight back a bit, if you're genetically predisposed to weak muscles.

What makes the new bodybuilding drug, HGH, different from steroids is that, unlike steroids, it helps you to gain muscles slowly, over time. Steroids are designed for fast muscle growth, but they are much more dangerous. The normal way you gain lean muscles is in one or two pound increments every three weeks or so. If you take steroids, you don't actually gain lean muscle. Instead, you gain water weight. That's why humane growth hormone is a better alternative. HGH also helps you to burn body fat, too. So, you can eat more food and not gain too much extra fat.

This new bodybuilding drug has a lot of benefits. It can increase your lean muscles, for example. It can also help you to heal damaged tissues. It can strengthen your joints and ligaments as well. In general, it can really improve your bodybuilding performance. So, if you're looking for a way to boost your workout routine, you might want to consider it.

Although there are many benefits, the news isn't all perfect. One problem that many people have with HGH is that they think it can cause a person's belly to become extended. That could happen, but only if you don't follow the dosage instructions. If you follow the recommendations of a doctor or pharmacist, it shouldn't be a problem at all.

One problem that can accompany steroid use is Acromegalia, which is abnormal bone growth. The great thing about HGH is that it doesn't cause that. While there are a few possible side effects of human growth hormone, there aren't many and they are very rare.

So, HGH can really help you get the bodybuilding results you are looking for, if you use it properly. It can help you to gain healthy weight. It can allow you to build up more lean muscles. It can stop you from losing muscle as quickly when you are having an off period and more. So, you might want to consider taking HGH, under a doctor's supervision.

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Drug Abuse Treatment

Drug addiction treatment typically involves several steps to help an addict to successfully withdraw from using the drug. The treatment must be followed by counseling and attending self-help groups to help the recovering addict to resist any crave for using the addictive drug again.

The first step of drug addiction treatment is the withdrawal therapy. Withdrawal therapy is a step by

step detoxification plan which helps the recovering addict to stop taking the addicting drug as quickly and safely as possible. The detoxification is a gradual process that involve reduction of the dose of the drug or temporarily substituting the drug with other substances that have less severe side effects.

The second step begins after a successful detoxification. The goal of the second step is to help the ex-addict stay sober and keep resisting drugs. The second step involves therapies such as counseling, addiction treatment programs and self-help group meetings.

Counseling - Individual or family counseling with a psychiatrist, psychologist or addiction counselor may help an ex-addict resist the temptation to return to using the addicting drugs. Behavior therapies can help the ex-addict to develop ways to cope with his drug cravings, suggest strategies to avoid drugs and prevent relapse, and offer suggestions on how to deal with a relapse if it occurs.

Counseling also can involve talking about the ex-addict job, legal problems and relationships with family and friends. Counseling with family members can help them to develop better communication skills and to be more supportive.

Treatment programs - Treatment programs generally include educational and therapy sessions focused on establishing sobriety and preventing relapse. This may be accomplished in individual, group or family sessions.

Self-help groups - Self-help groups call upon the individual addict to take responsibility for his or her life and lifestyle, at the same time fostering self-acceptance and self-esteem. While most experts in the field of drug addiction view addiction as a medical problem, because of its effects on both brain and body, some see it as a behavioral problem to be solved through the development of self-knowledge, behavioral changes, and coping techniques. There are self-help groups that embrace both views and others that lean toward the behavioral model. Each type of program encourages the individual to understand not only the reasons to refrain from using drugs but the underlying emotional causes of his or her addiction

The road to recovery is far from being easy and it can sometimes feel overwhelming. From a medical standpoint drug use affects your brain chemistry. Once the drugs have been cleansed from the system, it takes time for the body to readjust. Feelings that were masked by the drugs will resurface, and when they do, they will have to be faced because the drug which helped in ignoring them, is gone. Relapse prevention includes identifying triggers to using drugs, learning more adaptive coping skills, and making better decisions when dealing with life's challenges.

The chances of staying clean improve if the ex-addict participates in a social support group like Narcotics Anonymous, have a sponsor, and is involved in an Intensive Outpatient Program or individual therapy. If he chooses not to seek help from a treatment support group, chances are he will revert back to his old habits and relapse becomes more likely. An important thing to think about during the treatment process is how the ex-addict perceives a relapse. If relapse occurs, it is more helpful to look at it as a normal part of the process, rather than a personal failure.

Additional changes in social routine will probably become necessary as well. There are people, places and things that represent a slippery slope for the ex-addict and it's in his best interest to stay away from them. Surrounding him with people who can support his recovery makes things easier.

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The Effects of Drug Abuse on the Brain and Behavior

In American society substance abuse is becoming an increasingly difficult issue to address. What once was predominately a problem of our larger urban cities is swiftly crossing all socio economic barriers and plaguing our homes, neighborhoods, small towns, and rural areas as well. Crack cocaine became a major social problem in the early eighties, where we witnessed a massive wave of addiction, abuse, and homicide as the drug hit our streets! The nineties came with Crystal Methamphetamines, a synthetic drug that can be manufactured in the privacy of your own home, with low cost products that can be purchased at the neighborhood pharmacy. In looking at the aftermath of the drug culture it is clear that drugs are fatally destructive! many have lost loved ones, fathers, mothers, and even their own lives, due to an association with drug abuse of some type. The statistics are pilling up as we see lives lost to the drug trade daily.

What is is so appealing about drugs? What draws so many into a lifestyle that makes no promises for anything short of death and destruction? Addiction is a very complex disease that goes against the very nature of human existence! A healthy human psyche is abounding in possibilities, always seeking to conquer new territories, to grow, to expand, to become all one can be! Addiction robs an individual of his/her natural essence in that it captures the soul and enslaves the mind to the addictive agent! Ultimately addiction changes the way the brain processes information.

The brain is a communications center consisting of billions of neurons, or nerve cells. Networks of neurons pass messages back and forth to different structures within the brain, the spinal column, and the peripheral nervous system. These nerve networks coordinate and regulate everything we feel, think, and do. Neurons, neurotransmitters, receptors, and transporters, make up this vast network of brain cells!The brains reward system is communicated by a chemical release of Dopamine. When dopamine is at a high level in the brain, it produces a euphoric sensation of heightened pleasure. All of the commonly abused drugs target the brains reward system, by flooding the brain circuit with dopamine. It is this false sense of euphoria that cause an individual to lie, steal, and even kill to experience the sensation again. The moment a chemical enters the body, it alters the chemical makeup of the brain, and over time a dependency develops.

The following is a brief description of the most commonly abused drugs and their effects;

Marijuana- The parts of the brain that control emotions, memory, and judgment are affected by marijuana. Smoking it can not only weaken short-term memory, but can block information from making it into long term memory. It has also been shown to weaken problem solving ability.

Alcohol- Alcohol is no safer than drugs. Alcohol impairs judgment and leads to memory lapses. It can lead to blackouts. It distorts vision, shortens coordination, and in addition to the brain can damage every other organ in the body.

Cocaine- Cocaine, both in powder form and as crack, is an extremely addictive stimulant. An addict usually loses interest in many areas of life, including school, sports, family, and friends. Use of cocaine can lead to feelings of paranoia and anxiety. Although often used to enhance sex drive, physical effect of cocaine on the receptors in the brain reduce the ability to feel pleasure (which in turn causes the dependency on the drug).

Inhalants- Inhalants, such as glue, gasoline, hair spray, and paint thinner, are sniffed. The effect on the brain is almost immediate. And while some vapors leave the body quickly, others will remain for a long time. The fatty tissues protecting the nerve cells in the brain are destroyed by inhalant vapors. This slows down or even stops neural transmissions. Effects of inhalants include diminished ability to learn, remember, and solve problems.

Ecstasy- Extended use of this amphetamine causes difficulty differentiating reality and fantasy, and causes problems concentrating. Studies have found that ecstasy destroys certain cells in the brain. While the cells may re-connect after discontinued use of the drug, they don't re-connect normally. Like most drugs, this one impairs memory and can cause paranoia, anxiety, and confusion.

LSD -While some people use LSD for the sense of enhanced and vivid sensory experience, it can cause paranoia, confusion, anxiety, and panic attacks. Like Ecstasy, the user often blurs reality and fantasy, and has a distorted view of time and distance.

Tobacco- Tobacco is a dangerous drug, putting nicotine into your body. Nicotine affects the brain quickly, like other inhalants, producing feelings of pleasure, like cocaine, and is highly addictive, like heroin.

Methamphetamine- Known on the street as meth, speed, chalk, ice, crystal, and glass, methamphetamine is an addictive stimulant that strongly activates certain systems in the brain.

Ritalin- This drug is often prescribed to treat attention deficit disorder. It is becoming an illicit street drug as well. Drug users looking for a high will crush Ritalin into a powder and snort it like cocaine, or inject it like heroin. It then has a much more powerful effect on the body. It causes severe headaches, anxiety, paranoia, and delusions.

I urge you to gain as much information as you can about addiction and educate your children and loved ones on the hazards involved when we choose to use! It is a matter of life and death! When you don't become part of the solution, you become part of the problem!

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Prescription Drug Abuse Deaths

Prescription Drug Abuse deaths far out number the deaths caused by street or illegal drugs. The movies would have us all believe that cocaine is the drug most used and the cause of the major number of fatalities. A report released by the Florida Medical Examiner states that three times the number of deaths are the result of prescription drug abuse than a combination of all other narcotics. These numbers do not include deaths by accidental overdose, just the use of prescription drugs for non medical purpose.

Prescription drug abuse deaths are watched closely in the state of Florida due to the lack of a state wide monitoring system. Legislation to implement such a system has lost favor due to privacy concerns. A report conducted by The Substance Abuse an Mental Health Services Administration states 7 million persons ages 12 and up have used prescription drugs for reasons other what that drug was prescribed. The report goes on to say that 2. 2 million young adults ages 12 to 25 show the greatest increase in abuse of pain relievers.

The Florida Department of Law Enforcement looked at 170,000 deaths and found that less than a 1,000 were the result of illicit street drugs, alcohol was to blame in the deaths of another 500 cases and 6,142 were as a result of non-medical use of a prescription drug.

Florida Drug Rehab Centers show a marked increase in admissions to their Detox units for drugs like Vicodin, OxyContin, Valium and Xanax. These are substances that can be found in medicine cabinets in homes across the country. Prescription Drugs when used for medicinal purpose and as directed can be a blessing but when misused or stolen and used as an illicit drug they can be deadly.

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Abuse Treatment - New Techniques Revealed

Unfortunately, many people worldwide suffer from an addiction. The most common addictive substances are alcohol and drugs and an addict needs these substances just to function day-to-day. Often, substance abuse masks deeper problems within the sufferer such as mental or physical health problems, and their addiction simply helps them to feel numb and to forget. However, the danger is that there are also many physical and mental health risks associated with substance abuse. Thus, it is important that an addict gets the correct treatment and support in order to beat their addiction and tackle any underlying problems. It is a sad fact that addictions not only affect the sufferer but those around them, such as family and friends.

Alcohol Abuse is frighteningly common in the western world. People often turn to drink to escape the pressures of modern life and then develop an addiction, becoming alcoholics.

Drug abuse is also a common addiction. People become addicted to drugs for reasons similar as to why others become addicted to alcohol. In fact, it is not unusual for sufferers to be addicted to both alcohol and drugs.

The first step to treating and beating substance abuse has to begin with the sufferer. Acknowledging they have a problem is the first step on the long road to recovery. People who wish to be free of their addictions cannot simply stop- the body becomes addicted to the substance and withdrawal causes violent symptoms which can be dangerous or even fatal. This is why sufferers need expert medical help and assistance to beat their addictions.

Some addicts are treated with medication on an outpatient basis, but treatment usually involves a residential stay. Residential treatment centres can help people overcome their addictions, no matter how severe they may be. Treatment is tailored towards the individual and consists of medication to help with withdrawal symptoms as well as practical and emotional support to help the sufferer as their body adjusts to being substance-free. Usually, no friends or family are allowed to visit; the patient needs to devote all their time and energy to beating their addiction.

Counseling is an important part of the treatment program, as it forces the patient to deal with any underlying issues they may have: if these are not dealt with, the addict may relapse. Some patients may shy away from counseling as they may be afraid to confront their problems but it is important they are encouraged to do this in order to work through and solve them.

Residential treatment aims to prepare the patient fully for the return to society. It is very important that the patient has ongoing support at home, both from family and friends and professionals, in order to reduce the chances of a relapse occurring.

Finally, it is important to remember that some forms of abuse are not the sufferer's fault, as in the case of sexual or domestic abuse. Sufferers of these types of abuse may benefit from counselling in order to work through their feelings as a victim and it may also help to join a support group where they can meet others who have been in the same situation.

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Teens and Drugs - Tips For Helping Teens Stay Drug Free

One of the most important things our society needs today is helping kids stay away from drugs. The best way for parents, counselors and teachers as well as friends and other family members to accomplish this is by relaying the honest information about drugs to the teens. Teens and drugs has become a huge problem in society and more and more parents are losing control of the situation.

If you talk openly and freely with your kids about drugs and answer questions honestly about things they want to know, you will have a better chance of keeping them from trying drugs. The one thing you do not want to do is lecture. Lectures are for the classroom where kids are made to listen and learn in order to gain an education. If you start your talks with a lecture, you are going to lose their attention and they will have even more questions that the drug dealer can probably answer better than you can.

Parents need to read about stories of teens that were into drugs and have since cleaned up. Telling stories of the effects of drug use are going to have more of an effect on your teen's way of thinking than telling them how bad drugs are for them. Everything today seems to be bad for you, and it may seem to your teen that the only way to find out is to give it a try. In order to address their way of thinking, you can tell them real stories about other people who have tried drugs. A true story will go farther than a lecture on how bad drugs are for you.

Never put your teen on the spot - if you think they may need the talk, you should bring it up in a discussion by leading into it. Do not sit them down and say, "Are you doing drugs?" This only pushes them away and makes them defensive and they feel as if you do not trust them.

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Marijuana Side Effects - Consequences of Smoking Marijuana

So many people say there are no problems for smoking marijuana. But in reality, there are real side effects for smoking weed.

Studies have shown that:

1) Adolescents are more likely to drop out of school

Just because the baby boomers went through smoking weed does not mean to pass it down to our children. Students today are having grave consequences from smoking marijuana on a regular basis. Thus, students who do smoke pot tend to drop out of school MORE than students who don't smoke weed.

2) Adolescents are more likely to get into fights & illegal activities

Students who have smoked weed are more likely to get into fights and other illegal activities. They also end up in the hospital more than non-marijuana smoking students.

3) Students are more likely to be arrested.
Students who smoke marijuana are more likely to get arrested than students who do not smoke pot.

There has been much studies showing that marijuana use can be very destructive to your life. So, you must stop believing the old myth that marijuana is harmless.

What is important is EDUCATION. There must be real education on how marijuana can destroy and be harmful to your life.

I've been a former weed addict for a long time and let me tell you. I used to love arguing with people that marijuana is harmless. But it has done nothing but waste away and slow down my life.

But after I quit smoking weed, I was able to gain more confidence, feel stronger, and feel better about life.

And most importantly, it is possible to quit smoking weed.

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Rehab Centers Require Longer Stays

Rehab Centers require longer stays in residential addition treatment centers to help reduce the high rate of relapse. Most rehab centers offer a standard 30 day program which includes a short period of detoxification. This has been the standard since the 1970's when the US Air Force established the 30 day model so airmen could return to duty without being reassigned. The was no medical research to back-up the 30 day stay but it caught on and across the country cookie cutter programs were established.

Rehab Centers have been charting the rate of patient relapse for 30 years and the numbers have been discouraging. Numbers can be manipulated and there is always fluctuation but an honest average is probably around 65% relapse rate in facilities across the country. Clients are always told to take responsibility for their action and now the rehab industry is taking their own advice. CAT Scans which are able to chart the changes in the brain as a client moves through phases of addiction treatment indicate that 30 days are an insufficient number of days to reach cognitive repair. Drug Rehab Centers that require patients to stay an extra 6 weeks to 12 weeks have shown promising results.

Studies using brain scans show that damage done by chronic drug abuse affect the addict's ability to deal with emotional issues and also affect the ability to retain information. There appears to be improvement in brain functioning after 30 days which would allow the patient to begin to understand and retain information and become honest with a therapist about those issues that trigger relapse. Without the longer stay for addiction treatment the client leaves just when they have the cognitive ability to initiate that treatment that leads to stable recovery.

skin care 2009 news

Pot Addiction - Is Smoking Marijuana Addictive Or Not?

Now, there are many people who like to claim that marijuana is not addictive and how pot addiction does not exist.

I always wonder about these people. They like to compare marijuana addiction to alcohol addiction or any other drugs.

They like to question and ask things like "People high on weed have never become violent" or "You never see high people fight or get in a driving accident".

The above statement may be true but I am here to say that marijuana is addictive depending on the individual.

Some people are addicted to marijuana. And some people are NOT addicted to marijuana. That doesn't mean that marijuana is not an addictive drug period.

Weed is addictive to some people.

For me personally, I am not addicted to drinking or gambling. But I did have problems with marijuana back in the days. Does that mean I should say "drinking is NOT addictive" or "Gambling is not addictive". That is baloney!

...It all depends on the individual!

So if you have struggles with quitting marijuana, then stop listening to people who tell you "Yeah...marijuana is not addictive...so take another hit!"

That's just another excuse for you to get a bong and smoke another bowl of weed.

...How do I know?

Because I told myself these lies to myself for a very long time. And what was the result?

...I smoked weed every single day! I couldn't stop!

So...stop giving yourself excuses to smoke because the idea that "marijuana is not addictive" is just another EXCUSE to smoke more marijuana.

...The most important thing for you is to recognize this old myth that "marijuana is not an addictive drug" as an excuse for you to smoke weed.

Stop believing the old myth that pot addiction is untrue because it is real for many people who struggle with it every single day.

Stop letting the old myth influence you.

And start going towards the road to freedom once and for all!

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Adolescent Drug Rehab - Teenagers and Addiction

As a counselor I see many teenagers turning to drugs and cutting though only a portion go to adolescent drug rehab programs. As I delve into issues with them at the outpatient mental health clinic I work at, the main issues seem to revolve around friendships, boyfriends, family tensions and academic pressures.

It is easy to discount a teen's worries and tell them worrying about a boyfriend at age fourteen isn't important. But, it is to a teen and rejection can be very painful. As adults we are often good at building defenses and a wall, but many teens are vulnerable. Plus, they don't have many of the outlets that adults have when things are stressful. For instance, as an adult, we can jump in the car and take a ride, drive to the mall to shop, plan a girls night out to forget trouble etc. A teenager often can't drive and has limited escape options for mental health. There isn't the luxury of running to a pilates class or getting a massage to try to regain mental peace.

Of course, teens do have ways to diffuse stress such as the internet, cell phone calls, texting and listening to music. Still, if the issues revolve around their friends or dates, many of the same people are interacting and it may just re-inforce the painfulness of the original interaction. If there is additional strain with the family then there just may not be any way it seems to feel good. Adolescent drug rehab can help if the problem gets out of control. If it is occassional use, it's important to help the person find other ways to feel good which can include exercise that releases endorphins, creative activities like drawing and music or relaxation techniques through tai-chi, meditation and yoga.

If there are family pressures that are the source of the drug problem, brainstorm about an aunt or uncle that the teen can visit for a weekend to just get a new environment. This can help to get a break from each other. It often is hard for teens to open up and one way that is useful for parents is to talk about oneself honestly and an issue that one had and overcame. Don't be preachy or give a lecture but talk about your own vulnerability, how you felt stuck and the difficult points. This is often why al-anon, aa and other twelve step groups work well because people are able to hear others experiences and understand their process, insights and trials.

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Alcohol Rehab - Dubai - Alternative Non-Medicinal Treatment Available in UK For Women

Dubai in the UAE has been struggling with results in current rehabilitation programs in use to treat alcohol and drug addiction. Alternative drug free withdrawal and life skills rehabilitation program in the United Kingdom may be the answer. I am particularly concerned with addicted and alcoholic women and how they can be helped in a safe, non-lockup environment. Giving an alcoholic a substitute prescription drug is not the solution but only serves to feed an addiction. There is help in the UK.

Women in the United Arab Emirates have made great advances in the last decade but among their many successes still exists many family troubles and addiction. Some still seek help in alcohol and drug use where the grip of addiction has become stronger than the fear of strict laws and repercussions to the misuse of alcohol and drugs.

Dubai has been on the forefront of the world stage as a place of luxury and the good life where all your dreams come true. However, if those dreams have soured and you are now looking for alternative drug free treatment for your family loved one, or friend, you must look elsewhere than the UAE.

Dubai Alternatives to Drug Treatment and Alcoholism

State run medical facility where there is a use of substitute drugs to treat withdrawal and very limited success Jail Death by overdose or illness caused by drugs & alcohol Successful Drug-free Rehabilitation program in the UK

Understanding the Roots of Alcoholism and Addiction

Drugs and alcohol act basically as painkillers and for this to be attractive to someone, there must first be some underlying unhappiness, physical pain or hopelessness. At first these substances are used to numb this pain and sorrow but soon the person is trapped into the cycle of addiction and the alcohol and drugs become the new problem.

Women have been more empowered in Dubai and are effective members of the Arab community and the world. It is believed that educated women help foster educated families. Realizing the possible shame felt by women alcoholics and their families is another reason why seeking treatment outside of the Emirates and in the UK is a good solution.

What Should an Alcohol & Drug Detox Consist Of?

Reduction or elimination of drug and alcohol cravings Ability to think more clearly Reduction or elimination of many symptoms including depression, insomnia and emotional instability A further comprehensive program of life skills whereby students overcome the disability of addiction and have their natural abilities restored and enhanced Returning the successful graduate to a life where they can again be happy contributing members of the family, group and society

Why Dubai?

Why not. Any nation that rise steeply to greatness can likewise fall steeply into the trap. Since the women of the UAE and woman's issues have blossomed we must make sure we nurture and protect them as well. Women are the backbone of the family and so lets help each other out.

No one plans on becoming an alcoholic or drug addict but we can plan the way out. This alternative treatment in the UK is safe and very effective.

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How to Identify Teen Substance Abuse - From the State Addiction Treatment Program in Florida

One of the most important points of the state addiction treatment program in Florida is creating awareness in people on how to identify a case of substance abuse within their own families. The state program lays great emphasis on family intervention and makes no bones about how families can be most prominent institutions in bringing addicted persons to treatment. In fact, every rehab center in Florida provides a substance abuse counselor that can coach families on how to go about planning an intervention program for people who have a substance abuse victim in their own homes. The main aspect of this part of the addiction treatment program in Florida is to effectively understand the signs and symptoms of the addiction in the person.

The most prominent part of this awareness campaign of the state addiction treatment program in Florida is the Seven Symptom of Drug Abuse, which is a means of identifying abuse problems in teenagers. The following are the Seven Symptoms of Drug Abuse in Teenagers.

1. The teenager shows a sudden deviation from their normal attendance and performance in their school or college,
2. The teenager shows an unexplained change in their physical appearance,
3. The teenager has inexplicable mood swings and displays an unpredictable response to situations,
4. The teenager becomes socially reticent and tends to stay secluded even from family,
5. The teenager shirks responsibility,
6. The teenager shows erratic behavioral patterns and
7. The teenager becomes apathetic to the surroundings, not responsive to any changes that happen in their close vicinity.

If any of these seven potent symptoms occur with the teenager, then the state addiction treatment program in Florida insists that parents look into them deeply and try to figure out if anything is going wrong. There are counselor services available at various treatment centers. Appointments with them can be sought to determine if any of these problems are indicative of a larger problem and what kind of assistance can be rendered to the teenager in order to bring them out of this condition.

To help parents, the treatment program has delineated some particular symptoms for the kinds of addictions that are prevalent in the state of Florida. The following is a brief summary of these particular kinds of symptoms.

Heroin, Morphine, Codeine and Prescription Drug Dilaudid Abuse

These teenagers are likely to lose their sensitivity to stimulus such as pain. They might be constantly in a sedated state and feel euphoric and ecstatic without any apparent reason. Nausea and vomiting might also occur and they may have a persistent runny nose with watery eyes. Some of these teenagers might also experience itchiness in different parts of their body.

Methamphetamine Abuse

Methamphetamine is an amphetamine. All amphetamines are known to produce the following kinds of symptoms. They can cause anxiety and a general loss of appetite. They can also make the person more irritable and slur while speaking. Mood changes can be felt.

Cocaine Abuse

These symptoms are too well-known. Cocaine produces a short term euphoria which comes without explanation (to people who do not know that the person is with an addiction) and goes away quickly. The subsidence of the euphoric feeling is following by an empty feeling of depression. The person might complain of a constricted feeling in the muscles and be extremely twitchy.

Marijuana Abuse

Teenagers who are abusing marijuana will likely have dilated pupils and will display problems of concentration. These teenagers are known to laugh without reason and will display unnaturally aggravated hunger. They will also not be able to coordinate their body organs effectively and will be generally clumsy, just as in the case of an alcohol addiction.

Hallucinogens Abuse

Hallucinogens are commonly abused in Florida among the teenagers. These teenagers will display several mental symptoms such as those of panic, anxiety and inexplicable fear bordering on paranoia. They will experience nausea and unpredictable mood swings.

These are excerpts from the information released to the public in order to determine the situation of a teenage substance abuse by the addiction treatment program in Florida. The intention is to make people aware that such problems can occur in their homes and if they do, it is up to them to bring about a solution for the same. The addiction treatment program also puts forth the methods that can be used to remedy these situations, which can be found on the state website of the Florida Department of Children and Families.

However, the state of Florida also has several private options for treatment which can be used. People are urged to make a good research on all these options before they decide to take any measures.

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Quitting Marijuana - Why Did You Start in the First Place?

Marijuana has been around for many centuries and through many cultures. Many people enjoy smoking marijuana on a casual basis. I am not here to give marijuana a bad name. However, for some people marijuana can be very addictive and destructive their lives. It is estimated that somewhere between five and 10% marijuana smokers will become dependent on the drug. I am one of those people. Are you? Below is some insight into marijuana addiction, and how to quit smoking weed.

Is Marijuana Really Addictive?

There is a lot of controversy around marijuana addiction for several reasons. One of the primary reasons is that pot is psychologically addictive, whereas other harder drugs, are also physically addictive. While marijuana may not be as detrimental to your health as crack or heroin, it can cause problems socially, mentally, and physically. Withdrawal from marijuana is also different than other hard drugs. Because there is less of a physical component to the withdrawal, it is just recently that the medical establishment has acknowledged a marijuana withdrawal syndrome exists.

Why did you Start?

One of the first steps that you should take you decide to stop smoking pot, is to determine why you started to smoke in the 1st place. Many of the users that I speak to, myself included, started to smoke pot cover up other issues in their lives. you may be unhappy with school or work. You may smoke to avoid stress were dealing with problems you are facing. You may smoke to escape from your current situation or out of sheer boredom. After a lot of soul-searching on my part, I realized one of the reasons I was smoking weed was to fit in and have friends. Ironically, as I grew older, I wanted to spend less time with people so that I could get stoned by myself. For me, procrastination and marijuana went hand-in-hand. Rather that dealing with things that needed to be dealt with, I smoked pot instead and traded short-term good feeling for longer-term uneasiness. Why do you smoke? You can write a list of why you started smoking marijuana in the first place, and why you do now.

Why do you want to quit?

There are many reasons for quitting marijuana. You may just be sick of being high. You may have to pass a drug test for work. Is may having a negative effect on your relationships with your family, spouse, or children. What kind of toll is smoking weed having on your physical and mental health? I had this huge list of reasons to quit smoking pot. I was tired of being lazy, unmotivated, and a burnout. I was sick of spending hundreds of dollars a month on getting stoned and hundreds more for crappy food because I was too lazy to cook for myself. step back, observe, and explore your relationship with marijuana in your day-to-day life. It is important that you briefly define all of the reasons that you want to quit. This is very a motivating tool when learning how to quit smoking weed.

Once you have completed this exercise, you can co compared the two lists. You will learn quite a bit about yourself and your relationship with cannabis. Memorize your reasons for quitting. You can call on them when you feel cravings or weakness in your resolve to stop smoking weed. These are just a couple of the many things you can do to be succesful when you decide to stop smoking pot.

Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Quitting-Marijuana-Why-Did-You-Start-in-the-First-Place?&id=1664540
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Teen Drug Court - Free Drug Treatment and No Criminal Record

Who is it for?

Juvenile Drug Courts are an alternative to the traditional court system and offer a softer approach for young people who have been charged with non-violent crimes. The Juvenile Drug Court is for those 18 and under who have a history of alcohol and drug abuse, although previous violent or serious felonies and any sex offense can make a juvenile ineligible.

Taking Responsibility

In order for a juvenile to participate, they must show a willingness to change and acknowledge that drugs or alcohol are causing problems in their life. They are asked to take responsibility for the choices they make and stop blaming others. This may mean not seeing former friends and gang affiliations are not allowed in Drug Court.

Parental Involvement

Parents are expected to play an integral supportive role in the Drug Court process and are encouraged to participate and be active during and after the Drug Court Program. If the parents are drinking irresponsibly or using illegal drugs, it makes it practically impossible for the youth to become sober. Parents must usually agree to participate in the Drug Court program and abide by the rules. In some cases, the court may order family therapy.

What is the program like?

Drug Court demands a high level of cooperation and effort from the participant and their family. This will usually include meeting regularly with a probation officer, random drug tests, attending AA or NA meetings, community service, participation in treatment, regular court appearances and can also include writing assignments, checking school attendance and exercise.

Relatively small setbacks or infractions can result in more counseling, increased drug tests, longer treatment, home detention or even time in Juvenile hall. There will also be incentives and rewards for good behavior.

There are situations where an offender can be disqualified from the Juvenile Drug Courts. Failure to appear in court one time can lead to a warrant for their arrest. Multiple violations of the Juvenile Drug Court contract, a new crime, violence or threats of violence, or being disruptive and disrespectful in treatment can all lead to termination. Once someone has left the Drug Court, they will serve their sentence in Juvenile Hall or continue court proceedings in regular court.

After completion

Generally, after a participant has successfully completed all requirements set out by the court, they will graduate from the program. This usually means that the case is closed and charges will be dismissed and a request to have records sealed can be submitted.

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Signs & Symptoms of Drug & Alcohol Abuse

That's really what it is about, isn't it? How do I know whether I, or someone I care about, have a drug or alcohol problem? What are the signs and symptoms?

If you are wondering whether you or someone else has a drug or alcohol problem, the probability is HIGH that there is, in fact, a problem. Generally, we don't wonder whether someone has a "problem" if there is not a problem. The rest of the signs and symptoms might help you quit "wondering" and take action:

Health and behavior

- Continuing to use even though you have health problems that are affected or caused by your use.
- Irritability, anger, hostility, fatigue, agitation, anxiety, depression, psychosis (seeing or hearing things that are not there), lack of coordination, difficulty concentrating .
Financial and legal issues
- Spending money on drugs/alcohol that is needed for paying bills or inability to keep track of money that is spent, collection agencies calling.
- Being arrested, doing things that you would normally not do, such as stealing to obtain drugs .
- Continued use despite legal and other consequences is a sure sign of addiction.
Employment or school
- Continuing to use drugs/alcohol even though you realize your job or education is in jeopardy.
- Missing work or school, or going in late due to use.

Family and friends

- Feeling annoyed when other people comment on, or criticize your use of drugs/alcohol. Choosing drugs/alcohol over family and friends is a sign of addiction. Addicted people are defensive, protecting their use.
- Feeling remorse or guilt after using drugs/alcohol.
- Associating with questionable acquaintances or frequenting out of the ordinary locations to purchase or use drugs.

Social life
- Scheduling your day around using drugs/alcohol.
- Focusing recreational activities around obtaining drugs/alcohol, using drugs/alcohol, or recovering from drug/alcohol use. Addicted people are preoccupied with their substance use as it takes a progressively more important role in their lives.
- Seeking friendships with people who use and neglecting, even alienating, important relationships with people who do not use.
- Using drugs/alcohol when alone.

Cravings and relapse
- Strong and overwhelming desire to use at a specific time of day or several times a day.
- Drug/alcohol seeking behaviors.
- Trying to stop or control using the drug/alcohol but failing more than once.
- Feeling that you must have the drug to deal with your problems.

Tolerance

- Tolerance means that it takes more of the substance to "get off". In order to feel the same effect, one has to use more of the drug/alcohol than intended and using it more frequently. The exception to this is marijuana, cannabis, and hashish which store in the fat cells of the brain making it easier to high on lesser quantities.
- Tolerance is a measure of addiction and suggests that, if one quits, withdrawal symptoms will begin.
- Blackouts - Continued functioning, without any memory of what happened or what was done later, is a sure sign that tolerance has increased addiction and that withdrawal symptoms will be present when one stops using.

Withdrawal Symptoms
- Cocaine: Agitation, insomnia, anxiety, depression, anger, cravings, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, shakes, irritability, muscle pain
- Anti-anxiety medications (tranquilizers): Sleeplessness, irritability, anxiety, feeling shaky, headache, dizziness, loss of appetite, and in extreme cases, seizures
- Painkillers/Heroin: Dilated pupils, goose bumps, watery eyes, runny nose, yawning, chills, nausea, muscle cramps, stomach cramps, diarrhea, vomiting, shakes, sweats, feeling jittery, irritable, panic, tremors
- Methamphetamine: Fatigue, disturbed sleeping patterns, irritability, intense hunger, moderate to severe depression, anxiety, psychotic reactions

Effects on memory and motivation

- Impairments in learning, memory and cognitive functioning.
- Losing interest in activities and hobbies that were once pleasurable.

Risky behavior

- Drinking & driving.
- Going to crime-ridden areas or association with "seedy" characters in order to "score" drugs.
- Criminal or unsafe, irregular activity to get drugs or money to buy drugs.
- Sharing needles .
- Having promiscuous or unsafe sex.

Signs and symptoms of Cannabis use (Marijuana and Hashish)

- Heightened visual and auditory perceptions and increased sensitivity in taste.
- Increased appetite.
- Problems with memory, difficulty concentrating, paranoid thinking.
- Decreased coordination, slowed reaction time.
- Bloodshot eyes, elevated blood pressure, increased heart rate.

If you, or someone you know, have one or more of these signs or symptoms there is a good possibility that you might have a substance abuse problem. Help is available but, over time, these signs and symptoms tend to get worse - not better - on their own. Treatment works!

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The Social Impact on Drug and Alcohol Abuse

Everyday in the U.S. 136 people die from drug and alcohol abuse, and data from both government and private sources indicate that these numbers are almost 35% greater than reported 2 years ago. What this data doesn't disclose is the true impact that these deaths have on the family and loved ones of those who have died from the ugly insidious disease of drug addiction and alcoholism. While there has been a overwhelming attempt by the government and private agencies to step in with financial aid and policy in the form of treatment, support, and awareness programs for those affected by drug and alcohol abuse there is still much to be done.

The lives of everyone who comes in contact with an alcoholic or drug addict are impacted: family, friends, and co-workers are directly affected while a spillover effect further touches those outside direct contact of the addicted. Many never seek the help of support groups out of shame, fear, denial, and other reasons while the disease of alcoholism and drug addiction continue to slowly eat away the lives of all they touch.

Treatment from both 12 step groups and qualified professionals have shown significant success once the drug addicted and alcoholic become honest and accept their disease and seek out help, but until there is acceptance and a cry for help from the alcoholic or drug addict there little hope for recovery.

Accessibility to treatment and services for those affected by the addiction of drugs and alcohol has become easier in recent years and many who could not afford or find help now can. Insurance providers have become equally sensitive to the impact of drugs and alcohol and now have implemented coverage and resource for those covered under their insurance plans.

In the Southern California area, many treatment providers have made a shift in their approach to treatment by expanding upon the more traditional methods to include one on one, family based, and long term after care in a combination of 12 step meetings with group and private counseling. But before treatment can begin in most cases, intervention is required to reach the drug addict or alcoholic in a non-threatening environment.

What Is An Intervention?

An intervention is a planned attempt by family members and friends to help a chemically dependent person get help. Interventions have a high success rate when done under the guidance and supervision of a trained counselor and with the help of family and friends closest to the addicted person. Even when drugs or alcohol appear to have taken over one's life, it is still very powerful (and necessary) to be confronted with one's own behavior and the effects it has had on those people closest to one.

The role of family and friends in intervention is vital. There is strength in numbers when family and friends confront the abuser as a group. Yet even though they are sick and tired of trying to control their loved one's behavior, those closest to the addict tend to protect him or her from the consequences of drinking or using. Stopping such "rescue missions" is an essential part of intervention. The addict needs to fully experience the harmful effects of addiction. Getting into treatment, getting sober, and receiving appropriate psychiatric care and medication can greatly reduce symptom severity, thus helping the dually-diagnosed addict feel better and think more clearly. With such progress, he stands a much better chance of maintaining his substance abuse recovery and coping with psychological disorders.

The Good News

When the alcoholic and drug addict finally hit bottom and enter into a program of treatment, the viscous cycle of abuse has been stopped. With support from family and friends, the healing process of the addict/alcoholic can be applied in the form of 12 step meetings, and therapy. Many who were once hopeless find that through guidance and counseling they now have a life of meaning and usefulness. If you are concerned about a loved one who is abusing alcohol or drugs, call the Step-Up Recovery Team now 714-771-4522. Or visit their website at http://www.stepuprecovery.com

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Secondary Track Addiction Treatment Recovery

The primary concern in treating an addiction is to stop the drug use or survive whatever consequence one is suffering. Secondary Track Recovery is about learning how to live after addiction without substituting for a new addiction and understanding those life events that developed a vulnerability to escapism.

Addiction Treatment professionals have supplied us with any number of syndromes that attempt to explain the cause affect of ones addiction. Identification and acceptance of specific psychological events can only be addressed after a period of abstinence and mental cleansing.

Secondary Track Recovery is not easy and not without challenges. One must understand stable recovery takes time and self-discipline. Exploration into the past can not become an excuse to not move forward in the present.

This is the opportunity to begin to use all the tools learned in Drug Rehab that deal with triggers, boundaries, becoming assertive and self-exploration. Freedom from your addiction and dysfunctional past will depend on your ability to differentiate between past and present, not always an easy task.

Primary treatment in addiction treatment centers must be successful before someone can move on to Secondary Track Recovery. All the groups and individual sessions attended in residential treatment deal with different issues than will be addressed in secondary recovery. In 12 step rooms what they refer to as "more will be revealed" are those issues that begin to emerge from deep within your psyche. It is in this stage of your recovery that you face issues that until this time have been beyond your ability to safely examine. The freedom promised and self actualization will be realized through the work accomplished in this stage of your recovery.

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Dating a Pothead - Marijuana and Relationships

Dating or living with a marijuana addict can be overwhelming. Marijuana addiction can create turmoil in relationships whether they be with family members, friends or spouses. People who smoke pot, tend to hang around with other people who smoke pot. This enables the pot user to not feel guilty about the amount that they are smoking. Problems arise in a relationship when there are different expectations about marijuana use, our different levels of use. If you are sober, hanging out with the person who is a high all the time is not an enjoyable experience.

Marijuana addiction forms gradually and gets worse as time goes by. This is why some people aren't even aware they have problem. Most potheads are able to function well enough in life to get by, but may not be aware of how weed is holding them back. They may not realize the effect that marijuana has had on life, until they take a significant break and are sober for a period of time.

It is important to remember that marijuana is a psychological addiction and that the person you care about is addicted to the mental state of being high, and compulsively want to be stoned. This is why they get moody, restless, anxious when they are unable to smoke.

There are two situations here. The first situation is where the marijuana addict is aware of their problem and wants to quit, but hasn't been able to. The positive thing about the first situation is that you are able to openly talk about the issue and provide support toward the common goal of quitting. The second situation is where the marijuana addict does not want to admit that they have a problem or just a belief that they have a problem with weed. They may say that people love we, and there is no way that they want to quit. In this case, the road to recovery is much rockier.

When you decide to talk to the person about their marijuana use, do not accuse them. Rather, you should explained to them have their marijuana use is affecting you and your relationship with them. You should highlight the positive aspects of quitting marijuana rather than the negative effects you believe the drug is having on this persons life. Anyone can learn to stop smoking marijuana. If you have a problem with marijuana, or know someone that does and want to help them, I wish you the best of luck. You can make a difference.

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Drug Addiction Signs - How You Can Tell If a Loved One is Using?

There are many different drug addiction sings. When people take drugs the pleasure center of the brain is sent a flood of messages that overloads this area of the brain. In particular, dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is released causing a euphoria. Subsequently, drug use can end up having various side effects including insomnia, loss of weight, or even death. To help you determine whether a loved one is showing the signs of drug addiction, here, is a list of some common signs:

-Hostility or anger

-Anxiety or irritability

-Depression or suicidal thoughts

-Health problems like a heart attack

In addition, significant drug addiction can be seen when users repeatedly use drugs even after they become aware of how it ruins their relationships or starts causing health problems. Drugs can also negatively impact your thinking. Specifically your memory and learning skills can be damaged and impaired through continued drug use. Students who use drugs may see a drop in their grades or lower levels of performance at work.

There are also several secondary drug addiction signs. One area is with increased legal or monetary problems. Many drug users fail to pay their bills by keeping their money for drugs. Also, legal issues can arise as drugs make people more impulsive resulting in rash behavior for some. 

Another area is where their current behavior is a vast departure from past behavior. If the person is not doing the same activities they were doing in the past or avoiding friends or family, this can be a sign of drug addiction. 

However, these secondary areas should be considered in review of other information and signs. Many of these secondary signs can be caused by other factors unrelated to drug use. However, some more common direct signs to consider are slurred speech, dilated pupils, red and watery eyes, or body twitching. These signs can be better indicators of drug use although specific symptoms may vary depending on the specific drugs used. 

If you determine that a friend or loved one may be using drugs, an addiction intervention may be necessary. It is a good idea to discuss your concerns with other family members and friends to see if others see the same drug addiction signs. However, once it is determined the person has a drug addiction; an addiction intervention should be a tool that you should consider to help get them on the road to recovery. 

Drug Addiction Signs - How You Can Tell If a Loved One is Using?

There are many different drug addiction sings. When people take drugs the pleasure center of the brain is sent a flood of messages that overloads this area of the brain. In particular, dopamine, a neurotransmitter, is released causing a euphoria. Subsequently, drug use can end up having various side effects including insomnia, loss of weight, or even death. To help you determine whether a loved one is showing the signs of drug addiction, here, is a list of some common signs:

-Hostility or anger

-Anxiety or irritability

-Depression or suicidal thoughts

-Health problems like a heart attack

In addition, significant drug addiction can be seen when users repeatedly use drugs even after they become aware of how it ruins their relationships or starts causing health problems. Drugs can also negatively impact your thinking. Specifically your memory and learning skills can be damaged and impaired through continued drug use. Students who use drugs may see a drop in their grades or lower levels of performance at work.

There are also several secondary drug addiction signs. One area is with increased legal or monetary problems. Many drug users fail to pay their bills by keeping their money for drugs. Also, legal issues can arise as drugs make people more impulsive resulting in rash behavior for some. 

Another area is where their current behavior is a vast departure from past behavior. If the person is not doing the same activities they were doing in the past or avoiding friends or family, this can be a sign of drug addiction. 

However, these secondary areas should be considered in review of other information and signs. Many of these secondary signs can be caused by other factors unrelated to drug use. However, some more common direct signs to consider are slurred speech, dilated pupils, red and watery eyes, or body twitching. These signs can be better indicators of drug use although specific symptoms may vary depending on the specific drugs used. 

If you determine that a friend or loved one may be using drugs, an addiction intervention may be necessary. It is a good idea to discuss your concerns with other family members and friends to see if others see the same drug addiction signs. However, once it is determined the person has a drug addiction; an addiction intervention should be a tool that you should consider to help get them on the road to recovery. 

Executive Drug Rehab - Why Executives Love This Treatment Option

Executive Drug Rehab is a niche of alcohol and drug treatment that is growing in popularity. These treatment options are becoming more and more popular because of the advantages these programs offer to their customers. Here, we take a look at some of the benefits of these programs.

1. Heightened level of privacy and security

One significant issue that many executives worry about is the release of private information about their drug use or information they state about their company in their counseling sessions. Executive drub rehab is ideally suited to deal with these issues because these facilities have a higher level of privacy and security measures and standards than other regular facilities. This is good news for execs because it means they can feel more comfortable opening up in sessions allowing them to get more out of the drug treatment program.

2. Staff and programs dedicated specifically to executive issues

When you have staff and programs focused on a particular issue or group of clients, it is far easier to develop effective programs for them. The staff and doctors learn from experience what issues are the most important and what negative behaviors are more likely to become problems with execs. In addition, the participants have a higher level of respect and belief in the program because they know that the staff and doctors have experience dealing with patients like them in the past.

3. Groups are made up entirely of similarly situated individuals

Many people benefit by simply knowing that other people in the room deal with the same struggles. Hearing about others challenges with their jobs and businesses can actually help others open up about their experiences. The result is the groups become more close knit and individuals can help each other in the process. 

With advantages like these, it is easy to see why executives prefer executive drug rehab. For many people, it is just the right enticement to help them start a treatment program. In the end, any steps towards recovery should be supported and endorsed. 

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Marijuana Withdrawal Symptoms - Common Signs of Detox

Many regular and heavy pot smokers go through withdrawal when they first quit weed. The detox period tends to last between 10 days to a month, and is worst in the beginning. Quitting marijuana can produce both physical and psychological withdrawal symptoms.  The most common symptoms are discussed in detail below.

Anxiety and Restlessness - All dressed up and nowhere to smoke!

Anxiety is one of the biggest hurdles in the first couple weeks of quitting. The anxiety that is felt during quitting is usually minor relative to a full blown panic attack - but it is constant! You need to be prepared to deal with emotional and mental state you will be in for the first couple of weeks when you quit smoking. Some of you will know what I am talking about. I have searched through couch cushions, the garbage, and all of the other places just to find a roach or a little nugget to feel at peace. I describe it as missing something, and needing to get back to a stoned state so that you can relax again. You may notice you are holding a lot of tension and not breathing well in the first week. Keeping yourself busy will help some, but it won't make this feeling go away.

Insomnia and Racing Thoughts

Insomnia is a big deal in the first couple days of not smoking cannabis. There have been times where I have not slept for a couple of days. This always passes. If smoking weed makes you relaxed and tired, not smoking can make you stress out and your mind race.  It can take a while for your sleeping patterns to get back to normal. Usually within a month you will have more regular sleep patterns and get a full nights sleep. It is important to keep a regular sleep / wake schedule when going through marijuana withdrawal.

Vivid Dreams and Nightmares

As any pothead knows, marijuana seems to interfere with the dreaming mechanism of consciousness and either keeps you from dreaming, or keeps you from remembering them. When you give your body a break from marijuana, the dreams come back - and sometimes with a vengeance. If you haven't dreamed in a weeks, months, or maybe even years, this aspect of marijuana withdrawal is very strange. Memories from years ago may resurface in dream form. I remember having a dream of classmates from high school that I hadn't seen in over 10 years!

Nightmares are common when you go through marijuana withdrawal. These can be incredibly vivid and involve people and places you know. I have had several dreams where I thought the world was about to end and I have woken up in a sweat before.

Some people dream about marijuana, and some smoke marijuana in their dreams. This is completely normal and part of the detox process.

Loss of Appetite

One of the most common symptoms of marijuana withdrawal is a lack of appetite. This usually lasts for 3 to 4 days after the last time you smoke. You can almost think of it as the opposite of the munchies. Fast food doesn't taste the same with Mary Jane!

Don't be surprised if your appetite shrinks, or that you aren't interested in food for a couple days. You may even lose some weight when you go through cannabis withdrawal. The lack of appetite can be a part of a more general feeling of sickness that has been described as low-level flu like symptoms. Very few people report diarrhea or nausea, but it does exist for some of us.

When I quit smoking weed, my diet improved. I have experienced the loss of appetite, and even the runs during the first week of quitting.

The Sweats - Did someone turn up the heat?

This is one that I have experience only a couple of times after not having weed for few days. I think it caused from the stress, tension and anxiety of not smoking weed. I do know that after smoking (succumbing to temptation) the sweats dissapear immediately. One trick when dealing with this, is to think of it as cleansing and that your body is cooking out the THC and your are speeding up your recovery. If you are going to get hot, might as well enjoy it!

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How Do Children Deal With Their Parent's Substance Abuse?

Children of parents who have a problem with substance abuse are all affected differently, depending on how old they are, how their parents behave with their addiction and how the children react to any abuse and stress they experience. Some children will become withdrawn, while others may become extremely independent and extroverted. Some children may even follow the behaviors of their parent or parents and develop an addiction, though not necessarily the same addiction.

Regardless of what the abuse is, children are thrown into an unstable, chaotic and unpredictable environment that can leave a child feeling at a complete loss of what to do. They are torn between their feelings of love and the frustration for their parents. They never know what to expect and are constantly uncertain as to what they can do to improve the situation at home. Some children will feel that they are the cause of their parent's addiction, either because their parent has told them they are or they feel that bad behavior and / or poor marks on their part is the main cause of the problem. Children, especially younger children, do not quite understand what is going on, so when they feel they might be the cause, they fully believe they can possibly change their parent's behavior by altering their own. Fear plays into these situations as well, especially if the parent is mentally and physically abusive. All these emotions together can be overwhelming for the child and they can be traumatized by such events well into their future. In fact, many may even grow up to have poor relationships of their own because they are unable to trust and are afraid they might be victimized by such a situation again.

Too many children grow up in such situations without getting the help that they need. Some will eventually seek help from a therapist, others may be too embarrassed to book an appointment and many will not even realize that they can get help after they have left the situation. With the internet becoming such a popular and easy tool these days, more counselors and patients alike are taking advantage of the internet as a way to reach out and communicate. Online counseling is accessible to anyone, including children, who can gain access to the internet. Children, or the parents of children, can easily access online counseling sites from their home or cyber cafe to communicate with an online counselor in regards to their current or previous situation. The online therapist will work with the children of such situations to help them deal with them so that they can move on and develop decent lives. Online therapy can help children to better understand what they are going through and learn different ways of working their way through it. The online therapy can also help the children to help themselves move forward, leave their past behind and work towards a better life for their self. Getting help for children in these kinds of situations can be crucial, because they are at a point in their lives where they are still learning and developing. Without help, they could have a more difficult time in their adult life.

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Drug Treatment Facilities For Men - Finally a Great Alternative For Men

Probably the single biggest rule about drug treatment is that the participant should do whatever they need to do to increase the odds of a successful treatment and have a lasting recovery. With this thought in mind, drug treatment facilities for men can often be the right answer for men who are truly interested in drug recovery.  These treatment facilities can be effective for several reasons:

1. Reduces any possible female distractions for some participants.

Much like gender divided private schools, the focus here is to make sure patients are not distracted by female participants. This can have a dramatic effect for some men who are far better able to focus on drug treatment. Since the focus of any treatment program should be on recovery, any steps taken to reduce distraction can be valuable.

2. Programs are formed around specific male issues related to drug addiction.

By having specific gender facilities, staff and doctors can pay extra attention to issues that pertain specifically to that gender. Many men recognize the value in having a program that is narrowly tailored to them. In addition, doctors and staff will be better equipped to handle day to day issue because of past experience with other similar patients. This aspect is also not lost on participants as it actually gives them more confidence in the success potential of the program and adds greater credibility to the words of staff and doctors. 

3. Many men benefit by having male only group discussions.

It is easier for some men to relate to other men because of similar experiences. After hearing a number of stories from other men, these remaining men are more likely to open up about their issues and confront their emotions. Issues like relationship struggles, marriage, sex, children and work problems tend to be easier to talk openly about in these gender only forums.

By keeping these different benefits in mind, it is easy to see why some men opt for Drug Treatment Facilities For Men. They are definitely an interesting option of the different addiction recover center programs available. Whether it is the best one for you or a loved one should be determined after doing some more basic research.   

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Wondering If You Need Treatment?

So, you're not sure about getting treatment for what might be a drug or alcohol problem? Guess what? That is perfectly understandable.

First of all, what constitutes a problem? Have you seen the T-shirt that says, "I drink. I get drunk. I fall down. No problem!" That shirt reinforces the addage, "If it ain't a problem, it ain't a problem." But, "if it ain't a problem..." why are you or others asking the question?

So, let's examine a concept called ambivalence, mixed or even opposite feelings and thoughts that we have at the same time. I'm getting some information that tells me I might have a problem, but I also have information that says my substance use is desirable.

What are some of the good things about my substance use? First, most people drink or use drugs because, at least in the beginning, they made them feel good. Others used because they wanted to escape worries. Still others because they wanted to fit-in. Those are positives for the use of substances that are real to the user. The first question to ask is, "Do these substances STILL do for me what they once did?" If they still do, then mark that down on the left side of a two columned page under "Positives". List any other positives you can think of underneath that heading.

We want to weigh the positives of using against the negatives of using in order to make a decision that is right for the individual - you. Your using might not be a problem. After all, there are thousands of people who seem to get by with using without problems, right?

On the right side of that same page write "Negatives" at the top and start jotting down the negative things about using substances. Negatives might include problems with family members, at work or going to work, financial problems, legal problems like DUIs, health, loss of friends, loss of values, not enjoying things previously enjoyed, etc.

The problem with identifying negatives is being honest. There are two reasons for that. First, it is hard to look at painful things, things we might be ashamed of. Yet, if we don't look at them honestly, we will almost assuredly continue down a progressive path of negatives that keep getting worse. This path is self-destructive and that destruction is dependent upon the individual lying to himself about the negative consequences of his behavior.

That brings us to the second challenge of honesty, denial. When substance use begins to be destructive, even in the early stages, we have to psychologically avoid looking at the negative consequences to continue using the substances. Otherwise, our survival instinct would kick in. So we develop a psychological defense mechanism called denial to protect our substance use which has become very important to us.

The presence of denial is a sign that psychological dependence, or addiction, has developed. If you are unable to honestly write down your negative consequences then you are almost assuredly suffering from at least psychological dependence or addiction. Another variation of this is minimization. Minimization admits a little bit of of the negative consequences in order not to have to face the truth. Still another variation is blame-shifting, i.e., blaming others for the consequences or your usage.

All of these have one thing in common, lying to one's self in order not to look at the full extent of the negative consequences surrounding one's using. They are all signs of addiction. Please try to be honest when you make your list of negative consequences. You deserve honesty. If you have a gnawing feeling that you are not being honest, drop this exercise and call for help as soon as possible. If you can be honest, make your list.

Once you are finished with your list of both positives and negatives, side-by-side, it is time for some personal evaluation. This is an area where you might need some help. Of course, being honest and objective is a challenge. But there is also a personal inability to see any options, any way out. For instance, if you identify that if you quit you might get very sick, or you won't fit-in with your family and friends, i.e., your support system, then you might need the help of a professional, who deals with these problems everyday, to identify options.

Most counseling centers would have someone who would be glad to help you sort things out, ask you clarifying questions to help you decide, and provide helpful options and alternatives. Placing a call to them will help you decide if you need treatment. These are not people who judge you but people who are there to help. Most likely, there is nothing you could tell them that they have not heard before. Their job and training is to help you.

If you decide you don't need treatment, that's OK, but don't close the book on it. Behavioral problems have a way of getting worse over time. If it is not a problem now, it doesn't mean that it won't be a problem in the future. Many people think, "It's not a problem because I have not done this or that, " and do not realize there is a great big "YET" after each one of those reasons they think they don't have a problem. Of course, it is always better to deal with the issue before one gets to the "YETs" that make it a problem. But some people need the "YETs" before they can admit it. The "YETs" make the pain of using hurt worse than the pain of quitting. When it starts hurting enough they might become willing to get help. But you don't have to let it get that far.

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Mental Health and Substance Abuse in Connecticut - How These Twin Problems Are Tackled by the State

The government of Connecticut is very particular about mental health being a major issue within the state. People with a vast array of mental problems are being provided relief under the various initiatives that are run by the Connecticut government. These problems include schizophrenia, anxiety and panic disorders, bipolar disorders and the like. Figuring prominently among these mental illnesses is the issue of substance abuse in Connecticut.

The Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (DMHAS) of Connecticut has devoted a major share of its health provisions to the treatment of the twin disorders of mental illness and substance abuse. Mental illness is considered to be a biological as well as a psychological problem that is caused due to several problems triggered by factors in the person's external surrounding. The state government considers that mental illness does not affect a particular niche of people but can affect anyone and that is the reason it has planned statewide initiatives for awareness of mental problems and provided means for people who need treatment from such conditions.

One of the main topics under discussion when speaking about mental health in Connecticut is that of substance abuse. In fact, substance abuse in Connecticut is placed on the same pedestal as mental illnesses. The main reason for this kind of belief is that addiction is a progressive disorder that worsens with passing time and is very difficult to treat completely. The problem is such that it makes a recurrence even if it is treated through therapies such as detoxification and aftercare.

The reason behind this lies in the fact that addiction is controlled by the person's brain. Though it is the person's body that takes the substance of addiction, the effect is definitely for the brain. It is in the brain that the euphoria of the addiction is felt. The central nervous system records the effects produced on it due to the consumption of the addictive substance and it signals to the person to continue this consumption. The state program for substance abuse in Connecticut understands quite emphatically that substance abuse is a mental problem, and that is the reason you will find mention of both these conditions on the same page in the state health website of Connecticut.

The state program also understands the need for treating these two kinds of problems simultaneously. The conditions are branded as co-occurring conditions on the state health website and methods to treat them simultaneously are indicated. The method that is followed is the dual diagnosis program. When two co-occurring problems are such that the treatment of one of them is liable to be affected by the presence of the other, the two problems cannot be tackled one by one. A simultaneous approach becomes necessitated. This is what the dual diagnosis provides. The DMHAS has in fact launched a very progressive Co-Occurring Disorders Initiative whereby these twin problems are looked after in the same breath, as they need to be done.

It is quite understandable that the rehabilitation centers needed for patients of mental illnesses who have taken up substance abuse will be different from the centers for patients who haven't. The prominent body for setting up dual diagnosis treatment centers for mental illnesses and substance abuse in Connecticut is the Regional Network of Programs, Inc., abbreviated as RNP. RNP operates through Bridgeport. It conducts residential services within the state of Connecticut. There are two main residential rehabilitation centers for patients of mental illnesses who have taken up substance abuse. In these centers, they are provided all necessary treatment methods to cure them of their condition, including detoxification facilities followed by the necessary aftercare methods.

Detoxification for patients who are going through a dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse will be different because of the presence of the mental ailment. The biggest impediment will be the weal mental constitution of the patient which will not allow them to focus on the recovery. In fact, their unstable mind will create in them an antipathy for the treatment and they will push further into denial.

The residential rehabilitation centers run by the RNP focus on both therapeutic and counseling methods. Through the counseling programs, they convince the patients to go through the treatment, which is extremely important if they are to respond to it. The detox programs are also extensive to cater to their individual needs.

It can be seen that the state government of Connecticut places substance abuse and mental illnesses in the same category and treats them accordingly. This approach is quite common all across the US today, but Connecticut has made it quite official through its implementation.

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Low Cost Alcohol Rehab

Are there low cost alcohol rehab treatments available?

The normal duration for many alcohol rehab programs today is 90 days, but for many people who can not afford to be in rehab for the required 90 days there are low cost alcohol rehab programs now available to them.

These accelerated programs are available so that patients can return back home after 28 days but they will still be provided with the transitional recovery support that an recovery alcoholic requires.

The ages of such people attending these programs ranges from 20 and upwards and are from all walks of life (its not just the celebrities that attend these programs). However, there are other factors which may well need to be taken into consideration such as a history of chemical dependency (drug abuse), age, psychiatric history and any number of other variables which will actually may need the patient to stay for an longer period rather than just the 28 days. With these kinds of situations the senior staff members at an alcohol rehab clinic will work with the client in order to assess their needs and what length of treatment is most appropriate for them. This can be helpful if you are seeking a low cost alcohol rehab program

However, the 28 day alcohol rehab programs that are available are having some of the highest success rates in the world when treating alcohol abuse and many people find that they successfully beat their addition with only having one 28 day course of treatment. Remember in order for any alcohol treatment program to be successful the initial objective is to stabilize, achieve and maintain a period of abstinence for alcohol in order to create a solid recovery foundation and it is imperative that the recovering person chooses to engage in the ongoing process of growth and change once abstinence has been achieved.

For those people who attend a low cost alcohol rehab program they will be required to participate in educational lectures and treatment counseling (both on a one to one basis or in a small group with other recovering alcoholics). Also some low cost alcohol rehab programs will offer patients additional activities such as yoga.

However the most important point of most of these low cost alcohol rehab programs is they support the development of a persons self awareness, self honesty and self clarity and this leads to the development of a person's self responsibility and their ability to keep to agreements and also being accountable themselves for the choices that they have made.

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Drug and Substance Abuse

The abuse of drugs has been a problem for several centuries. Substances that have been abused include over the counter drugs, prescription drugs or illegal drugs; with the most common culprits being cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, methamphetamine, morphine, heroin, valium and vicodin.

Addiction usually develops because it helps you to feel good, if only for a little while. There is a sense of euphoria, power and self confidence. Many persons also use drugs to overcome anxiety and stress or to get over a difficult problem. It has even been credited with enhancing performance in academics, though this is certainly not true. Curiosity is another major factor leading to drug abuse in many young persons.

It is common for a doctor to diagnose a drug problem during a routine visit or during a visit for a problem related to the drug abuse. At this point, he may recommend a process of detoxification before you start a long-term treatment regime to deal with your drug problem. Detoxification will help to rid your body of the harmful drugs once you have stopped using then. This is likely to make you sick as you experience withdrawal symptoms like nausea and anxiety. Certain medications may be necessary to help you deal with the withdrawal symptoms. Methadone, Naltrexone and Buprenorphine are commonly used in the treatment of drug withdrawal to minimize the effect of withdrawal as well as to help curb drug cravings.

Once you have completed your detox period, you will need to focus on staying "clean" or sober and this can be achieved through the implementation of individual psychological therapy and self-help group. These are geared towards helping you to adequately deal with and improve certain aspects of your life, including your finances, family, work, etc. thus making it easier to stay "clean". Once again, medication may also help to keep you drug-free.

You may choose to undertake treatment on an outpatient, inpatient or residential basis. As an outpatient you will attend regular mental health clinics, hospital clinic or counseling sessions to receive treatment. Inpatients remain in hospital for approximately six weeks, during which time they have therapy sessions during the day or during the night; followed by outpatient care. There are other facilities which provide housing for residents for 6 months or more to allow for recovery. You will receive 24 hour care and therapy. This option is most effective for persons with long histories of drug abuse and/or crime as well as those with unstable employment or home circumstances.

Proper drug education, including the causes and effects of drug abuse, is useful in maintaining sobriety. The best programs will offer this as well as occupational therapy to help you re-assimilate into the world of work and create better circumstances to maintain your progress.

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