Tribeca Building to Be Housing for Recovering Addicts - Tribeca Trib

Carl Glassman / Tribeca Trib

Hazelden, a large-scale addiction treatment provider, hopes to turn the building at 283 W. Broadway (center) into a post-recovery dormitory for college-age men and women who plan to reenter school.

A six-story building in north Tribeca, once envisioned for posh loft apartments, is slated to become housing for college-age men and women recovering from drug and alcohol addiction.

Hazelden, one of the world’s largest addiction treatment providers, is close to finalizing its purchase of the building at 283 West Broadway, according to the nonprofit company’s president and CEO, Mark Mishek. If the deal goes through, Mishek said the building would be a residence for young people in a “post-recovery period,” most of whom hope to return to college.

The company now runs a 10,000-square-foot facility for adult treatment and recovery in Chelsea.

“This particular program is for the college-age population that has gotten themselves sober and now needs to begin getting back into school, and they need a safe environment in which to do that,” Mishek said in a telephone interview with the Trib. “There’s a high danger of relapse for that population without it.”

A representative from Hazelden will present the plan this month to Community Board 1’s Tribeca Committee. “I’m confident we’re going to have a good dialogue,” Mishek said.

 

The meeting takes place Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. at 49-51 Chambers St., room 709.

How neighborhood residents react to Hazelden’s plan remains to be seen. Enzo Pezone, a co-owner of Pepolino Restaurant next door to the proposed center, said he has serious concerns about the center’s ability to coexist with its neighbors, but will reserve judgement until after Community Board 1 vets the proposal this month.

“I don’t really feel comfortable with these people being next to me,” Pezone said. “If I had a choice, I would say no.”

“It can be a very, very positive thing,” Bray said. “There are no facilities quite like this in New York City.”

Mishek and Bray said they are prepared to dispel concerns frequently raised when new alcohol and drug treatment centers are proposed. One misimpression, Bray said, is that recovering students are more likely to relapse in an urban environment than in a controlled, remote setting. In fact, she said, the company’s research shows the opposite.

“Our program is designed to operate in concert with the community,” Bray said. “We find it’s much more useful to educate the kids on how to live a sober lifestyle in the real world. We find the outcomes are better.”

“Any program where you surround patients in a bubble is completely doomed to failure,” Mishek added.

The 95-year-old building, nestled in a largely commercial block, had been slated for conversion into luxury condominiums by the Dynamic Group until the project fell into bankruptcy.

To open the center, Hazelden will need approval from the state’s Office of Alcohol and Substance Abuse Services. A spokeswoman for the agency said the company had met with staff members from the New York City field office, but had not yet submitted an application for the project.

By the summer, Hazelden hopes to use the second-through-sixth floors to house up to 30 residents, at a maximum of six per floor. Bray said the ground floor and basement would be used for meeting rooms, storage and “a very small area for treatment programs.”

Representatives of Hazelden declined to comment on the purchase price of the building. The Dynamic Group could not be reached for comment.

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Drug Rehab Explains: Tips For A Drug Free New Year

Narconon Arrowhead drug rehab center explains why New Years can be a dangerous time for drug addicts and may be a great time for them to enter treatment.

Oklahoma- On New Year’s Eve people all around the world will be celebrating the end of yet another year.  As the ball drops, people will be making resolutions to change their life for the better.

But, for someone with a drug or alcohol addiction, it is just another reason to party and binge on drugs or alcohol and can give those already addicted more of a reason to abuse drugs.

“New Years was definitely an excuse to go spend all my money on drugs and alcohol, and get inebriated,” explains Becca, an ex-heroin addict and graduate of the Narconon drug rehab program.

“Most people would over do it on New Year’s Eve,” she adds, “I saw many people get very close to overdosing as a result.”

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, emergency department visits as a result to substance abuse greatly increase on New Years. In order to help, Narconon drug rehab center gives a few tips on how you make your New Year’s Eve a little safer.  

First, make sure your party has a designated driver or some sort of transportation for those who plan to drink alcoholic beverages.  Offer non alcoholic beverages to your guest.  For anyone attempting to have prolonged sobriety, simply stay away from location where their sole purpose is the distribution of alcohol.  If you see someone who is overly intoxicated, do not allow them to get behind the wheel of a car. Finally, if you or someone you know is struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction, do not wait until after the New Year because that could be too late.

This New Years, Narconon wants to help your resolution be a life changing one. The long-term inpatient drug rehab center has had great results with their treatment, achieving a more than 70% success rate for permanent sobriety from addiction.

Narconon offers immediate assistance for drug addiction throughout this holiday with counselors on hand to speak with those struggling with addiction as well as their family members.  

“Thanks to Narconon, I am able to celebrate another New Years with sobriety,” said Becca. “My life no longer revolves around drugs and alcohol.”

For more information on Narconon program or to get drug rehab help for an addiction for yourself or a loved one this New Years contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933 or log on to www.stopaddiction.com.

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Salt Lake City's New Roads Treatment Centers is Launching a New Pornography ... - Benzinga

New Roads Treatment Centers is expanding its addiction-recovery programs to include a pornography addiction treatment program.

Orem, Utah (Vocus/PRWEB) December 31, 2010

After their first successful year of treating drug and alcohol addiction, New Roads Treatment Centers has seen a growing need for a pornography addiction treatment program and is launching this new program with the start of the new year. The center is also opening a non-profit entity that will help raise money to pay for individuals that need treatment and cannot afford it.

An overwhelming ten percent of adults admit to having an online pornography addiction.* With Internet use becoming more readily available on cell phones, lap tops and other wireless devices, it is reasonable to assume this number will continue to rise. The center has seen a great need for a program to treat this particular addiction. They have set up a group program dedicated to utilizing therapeutic culture, science based treatment, and a licensed, caring staff to help individuals on all levels, who are struggling with pornography or substance addiction.

Just like drug and alcohol addiction, pornography addiction is an addiction that must be treated physically, emotionally, and mentally. To aid the New Roads Treatment Centers with their new program, they have recently hired three new therapists; Sage O'Brien, LSAC, MSW, CSW; Jordan Harmon, CSW; and Aubrey Riddle, LCSW. In addition, they have had new training to aid them in understanding and treating pornography addiction. The entire staff, both clinical and support staff, just completed intensive DBT training from the DBT center of Michigan. DBT is a Dialectical Behavioral Treatment therapy program. Which, in recent years, has been used to treat a broad range of symptoms, including: mood disorders (depression & bipolar), anxiety disorders, eating disorders, substance abuse, self-harm in teens, and couples and relationship conflict.

“Though these issues can be overwhelming for individuals and families I have consistently been reinforced in my belief of the resilience of the human spirit and the reality of healing. I find great satisfaction in growing as a person as I am privileged to join with others who are on their own path of growth.” -Jordan Harmon, CSW

New Roads Treatment Centers offers a group of programs dedicated to utilizing therapeutic culture, science-based treatment, and simple caring to help individuals recover from addiction and emotional pain. Their staff is empathetic, respectful, and knowledgeable. More importantly, they understand and respect the sensitive, confidential, and private nature of treating the disease of addiction. Through each step of the program New Roads' clients achieve a sense of accomplishment and a renewed positive outlook on life and freedom from addiction. Feeling trapped behind the pornography or sex addiction is something that millions of individuals suffer through every day. With work and dedication there is treatment and complete recovery from these behaviors.

*http://www.safefamilies.org/sfStats.php

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For the original version on PRWeb visit: http://www.prweb.com/releases/prweb2010/12/prweb8040850.htm

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Talking taxation: Mass. takes stock - Boston Globe

There wasn’t a drop of beer, wine, or liquor to be found at yesterday’s event to celebrate the impending repeal of the state’s short-lived tax on alcoholic beverages.

A half-dozen Massachusetts liquor and wine store owners gathered at the site of the Boston Tea Party to symbolically pour bottles of wine into Boston Harbor, in anticipation of the 6.25 percent sales tax’s midnight expiration.

In deference to the environment, though, the bottles contained only water.

In November, voters repealed the surcharge, which had been in place for just a year after being promoted by lawmakers as a way to raise money during the recession.

Officials have estimated the repeal will cost the state more than $100 million.

But many shop owners, especially those who do business near the New Hampshire border, have complained of losing more business to the Granite State, which does not have a sales tax.

“I don’t know many taxes that have been repealed in Massachusetts,’’ said Jeff Cirace, who owns V. Cirace and Son Inc., a wine shop in Boston’s North End. Standing on the Congress Street bridge, Cirace poured from a bottle that once held B.R. Cohn cabernet.

At his side Tina Messina, owner of Wine Connextion in North Andover, held up a bottle that was formerly home to Beaulieu Vineyard Reserve Tapestry.

“With a wine like this, you’ll be able to save $1.50 now,’’ Messina said as she dumped her water into Fort Point Channel.

A small group of protesters attempted to have a sobering effect on yesterday’s gathering — they carried signs that read “Alcohol is a drug’’ and “Less taxes = Less lives saved.’’ A portion of the alcohol tax funds addiction treatment programs, and some worry services will be curtailed.

“People don’t quite understand where the money goes,’’ said Samantha Terry, 24, from Winthrop, who said she is living at Meridian House, an East Boston treatment center, as she fights an addiction to prescription pills.

“I spiraled out of control and needed help,’’ Terry said. “This program has given me a better understanding of this disease and helped me get my priorities straight.’’

John McGahan, president of the Gavin Foundation, which helps alcohol and drug addicts recover, organized the protest. He said the future of the state’s 500 in-patient slots for alcoholism treatment is now “a big unknown.’’

“Everything is subject to cuts, but these are people we are talking about, not widgets,’’ McGahan said.

Frank Anzalotti, executive director of the Massachusetts Package Stores Association, noted that public health programs were funded long before the alcohol tax was enacted.

“This was not a necessary tax,’’ he said.

Rick Gordon, a third-generation spirits seller and owner of Gordon’s Fine Wine and Liquors in Waltham, said it is difficult to quantify how much alcoholic-beverage business was lost because of the sales tax.

To avoid paying more, Gordon said, some of his customers got creative. “People would gather together in the neighborhood and make runs up north.’’

Now, however, Massachusetts shop owners say they are expecting 2011 to be more prosperous, especially for those who sell expensive wines.

“A lot of customers have been deferring purchases until the tax came off,’’ said Leonard Rothenberg, president of Federal Wine and Spirits in Boston. “January will be strong.’’

© Copyright 2010 Globe Newspaper Company.

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Hearst-Shaw won't play Lohan in film - UPI.com

Published: Dec. 30, 2010 at 2:44 PM

NEW YORK, Dec. 30 (UPI) -- U.S. socialite and model Lydia Hearst-Shaw says she has no plans to play troubled starlet Lindsay Lohan in a film.

Lohan, star of "Mean Girls" and "The Parent Trap," is undergoing court-ordered treatment for alcohol and drug addiction at a California rehabilitation facility following probation violations for a 2007 driving under the influence conviction.

Screenwriter Charles Casillo recently told the New York Post Hearst-Shaw would play a Lohan-like "bratty movie goddess in and out of rehab."

However, Hearst-Shaw is denying she's attached to star in the film called "Dogs in Pocketbooks."

"Just so we are all clear, my hair is red because I am the new face of Schwarzkopf color," UsMagazine.com reported Thursday Hearst-Shaw said via Twitter. "I am a model. I dyed my hair to front the campaign. ...

"As for any theatrical roles I am currently filming Two Jacks directed by Bernard Rose. My next project is Catwalk by Tony Hickox," Hearst-Shaw added. "Thank you all for your messages of encouragement during my transition into acting. I truly love and appreciate it. At this time I am not officially signed onto any other projects. Thank you."

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Pain Clinics Contribute to Prescription Drug Problem

The idea of a pain clinic is to provide the necessary treatment to individuals suffering with chronic pain. The problem is that they also create an opportunity for the foundation for addiction. A recent WBIR article focused on this growing problem.

One individual highlighted the reality associated with pain clinics and addiction. While she experimented with drugs as a teenager, full blown addiction did not settle in until she needed to visit a pain clinic after two back surgeries.

She sought help from her doctor for the pain, but after several doses of pain medication, he became concerned about her use and turned her away without another prescription. The withdrawal she endured was beyond her capability to handle on her own.

As a result, she turned to a pain clinic to find the medication she needed to simply get through the day. Such facilities can be found in nearly every part of every town in East Tennessee. Patients seek out these clinics to receive treatment for a full range of maladies from back pain to fibromyalgia.

According to Derryle Smith, group supervisor at the Drug Enforcement Agency, pain clinics do serve a purpose. And, there are legitimate clinics that serve a patient need. The problem is that rogue doctors and rogue prescription pain clinics exist, providing access to controlled medications to those who should be provided access to addiction treatment.

Work is being done to try and weed out rogue clinics that feature rogue doctors who may be abusing the system. Until that time, diligence is necessary to reverse the trend.
 

Pain Clinics Contribute to Prescription Drug Problem is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Addiction to Painkillers a Dirty Secret in Professional Sports

The aggressive nature of contact sports takes its toll on the body, leaving many players to cope with chronic aches and pains. In order to manage sports related injuries, the use of painkillers such as Oxycontin, Vicodin, and Percocet has become more common. Financially, there is a lot riding on sporting events, and one injury can ruin a person’s career. Even in the midst of dealing with serious injuries, professional athletes are feeling the pressure to perform.

Prescription narcotics are part of the opioid family, which includes drugs like morphine, codeine, and heroin. They work by preventing pain messages in the nervous system from reaching the brain. Similar to other drugs, they also produce a “high,” which is one of the reasons they are often abused. Athletes can build up a tolerance to the drugs, leaving them wanting more to produce the desired effect.

While many colleges don’t tolerate illicit drugs such as marijuana or performance enhancing drugs such as steroids, they often overlook the potential dangers of prescription painkillers. This type of pill addiction can lead to dependency and crime and can be a gateway for other drugs. Worse, it can result in overdose and death.

The NCAA does conduct periodic surveys of college athletes in a variety of sports to monitor drug use among players. They ask about all sorts of drugs, except for prescription painkillers. Because prescription narcotics are not banned, they don’t ask about them at all.

A real problem at college campuses across the U.S. is not only the use of prescription narcotics to numb pain, but how the students are getting the medications. A study of volleyball players in Salt Lake City, Utah conducted by sports medicine doctors revealed that many who were popping pills got them from sources other than doctors – most likely from friends, on the street, or online. In fact, the study showed that as many as 61 percent were getting their prescription meds without the assistance of a physician.

The NFL also has many players and retirees talking about their addictions. In 1996, Brett Favre, then quarterback for the Green Bay Packers, sought help for his addiction to Vicotin. Randy Grimes, former lineman for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, also came forward in 2009 to talk about his addiction to prescription pain medication.

Before seeking treatment, Grimes was popping upwards of 30 pills a day. Many of these players’ illnesses were not properly dealt with at the time they were incurred, leaving those like Grimes to cope with painkiller addictions that caused even worse problems in the long run. Now the NFL is denying any claims to medical or behavioral assistance.

As long as the love of sports continues to remain a favorite American pastime, the safety and health of the players continues to be a community liability. Other alternatives to pain management need to be explored so that our beloved sports icons aren’t left struggling with addictions after the game is over.

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Substance Use and Delinquent Behavior Among Serious Adolescent Offenders - Youth Today

December 29, 2010 by John Kelly

Data from the Justice Department’s long-term Pathways to Desistance study do not establish a causal link between serious juvenile offending and substance use, but it does suggest a frequent connection between the two.

The study followed more than 1,300 serious juvenile offenders for seven years after their first conviction. Data collection concluded this year, so the majority of the findings have yet to be published, but the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention issued a bulletin on the study’s findings about substance use yesterday.

During the baseline interviews for the Pathways study, which began in 2003, more than a third of males (37 percent) and females (35 percent) in the sample were found to have a diagnosable dependence on drugs and/or alcohol. Many of those who did not have a clinical addiction were using drugs or alcohol in a way that could lead to such: 48 percent of the juveniles said they used more than one drug in the previous six months.

Preliminary analysis of the data suggests that drugs are a better predictor of offending than offending is of drug use. “Substance use and offending in this model are significantly related to each other in the same time period and across time periods,” the bulletin stated. “However, these preliminary analyses demonstrated that substance use predicts offending in the next time period more consistently than offending predicts substance use.”

Pathways data also suggests that treatments for substance abuse did lower drug usage, but only the programs that involved the juvenile’s family were successful in lowering future offending.

Few juveniles actually lived with their families at the time they received drug treatment.  Only 10 percent of the Pathways sample reported receiving drug or alcohol treatment at a community-based program; 56 percent of the Pathways’ juveniles reported receiving substance abuse treatment while at a residential program.

Click here to read the bulletin.

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Rapper DMX Sentenced to Mental Health Treatment - RantRave | Published Opinion.

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DMX Released for Concert and Lands in Prison On December 20th, Rapper DMX was moved to the Flamenco Mental Health Unit at Alhambra by the Arizona Department of Corrections. Arizona is the last place you want to end up in jail. With a sheriff who thinks everyone who ever graces a pair of cuffs is guilty, and a staff that implements his stripping of civil rights, I was surprised to read that they moved DMX from the prison to the mental health wing. DMX's real name is Earl Simmons (no, he's not related to Russel Simmons). He also goes by "X".I think that his story can hopefully serve to help others, if he is actually treated in the mental health wing at Alhambra. There are so many inmates who plead with mental problems, and even those with significant mental health histories get refused, so the kind act by Judge Christine Mulleneaux may be the life-saving sentence for DMX. This incarceration marks his 13th time behind bars, but that does not include the trail of felony and misdemeanor charges across the country.It should be noted that he was reportedly arrested for taking a "swig" of alcohol while he was doing a concert in Scottsdale. Court documents list several charges, but keep in mind that Arizona attorneys file as many charges as possible so that something will stick. He was on probation and involved in an 18 month treatment program when he was giving a pass to go do the concert. The alcohol rehab program failed DMX by letting him out to go to a concert. If he was not done then he should not have been released. The treatment facility ought to accept some responsibility for THEIR poor choices that contributed to his arrest. Someone with his severe drug history should not have been released early, especially not to do a concert.DMX: Black and White Jail Stripes to Mental Health Straight JacketDMX has gotten angry and threatened violence when his mental health was questioned by reporters in the past. The Arizona Judge who ordered his movement within facilities apparently thinks that DMX has an undiagnosed mental condition. On top of the bipolar disorder possibilities, DMX has a cocaine problem and likely a drinking problem. His jail mug shots from the latest arrest clearly show weight differences in his face and the eyes of someone troubled. As different mug shots have been taken the progression of a body returning to some sort of health state is seen. I applaud moving DMX to the mental health facility. Arizona has one of the most destructive jail systems, little in the way of rehabilitation, and a horrible mental health system. While DMX does make enough money to pay for his own mental health care outside of jail, he wont do it because he denies having mental health issues. Denial fuels any other behaviors and lands him in trouble, a common scenario among men and women who are not in the spotlight.The barrier is the stigma associated with mental illness. This barrier and denial is stronger in black communities and there is a disparity among black men who seek and get proper mental health treatment. Most people who are mentally ill have denial around their illness and without some type of acceptance it makes it very difficult to move toward treatment. Although people might look at the arrest record of DMX and claim he should just go to prison, it should be obvious by now that jail is not working. His arrests in the past likely stem from drug use and probation violations. People who have substance problems along with mental illness tend to violate their probation conditions, especially if they are not complying with treatment. He is a good example that money does not buy a way out of mental illness, and for as much as he probably tries to stay out of trouble, he finds it because of untreated mental illness.DMX as a Mental Health Role ModelI hope to follow up on DMX and find that he has been evaluated and is being treated for his underlying mental health condition. As a black rapper, he could set a huge example for other young black men and women. With his music, he has the unique opportunity to reach the minds of many people around the world, of all ages and races. Accepting treatment for mental illness is the best thing that he can do for himself and his fans. Mental illness does not discriminate. Just because he was moved to a mental health facility doesn't mean that he has been found insane. Most people with mental illnesses do not know that is what is fueling their behavior. I hope that he takes advantage of the opportunity that he has by being moved out of the jail and into the mental health wing. In a previous interview from the Phoenix jail DMX talks about Arizona being "God's country" because of its beauty, and that he met the devil there as well. The only way to beat the devil that people meet on cold Phoenix streets is to get well. He talked of wanting to be a preacher. He is. He has his music as a pulpit, let him send a message of acceptance and help break down barriers to mental health treatment for all, but especially for black men. I hope that his fans give him an outpouring of support to accept the opportunity for mental health help that is in front of him. He will be a better man, son, friend, rapper, writer, and all around better if he gets help. Otherwise, we'll eventually be writing about his overdose or murder, or an extended prison sentence in Arizona that will take him out of his life and prevent an future music and career.
*DMX YouTube Videos are both interviews with Fox 10 news. The DMX videos are about a year apart and the 2nd one in an interview from the Maricopa County jail in Phoenix, where the Sheriff dresses male inmates in pink to try to humiliate them.

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Alcohol behind almost all murders in Queensland, figures reveal - Herald Sun

ALMOST every murder committed in Queensland during the past year was suspected to involve alcohol, crime statistics show.

It comes as police investigate a death at a park in Cairns at the weekend, which is also believed to be alcohol-related.

Homicides were up to 56 in 2009-10 compared with 49 the previous year, and only six did not involve alcohol or drugs.

The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre said Australians were among the world's worst abusers of alcohol, with few seeking help to curb its impact on their health.

Research shows almost one in five will experience problematic drinking, while 4 per cent become alcoholics.

"One reason for the lack of treatment is that alcohol problems still have a terrible stigma about them," researcher Professor Maree Teesson said.

"People are much less likely to want to own up to a problem with alcohol than they are about other physical or mental illness yet their abuse of alcohol has serious consequences."

These included fights, licence suspensions, taking time off work, child neglect and getting into trouble with the police.

Prof Teesson and fellow researchers analysed data collected from almost 9000 Australians aged 16 to 85 for the National Survey of Mental Health and Wellbeing in 2007.

She said most were young men but very few would seek any form of professional help.

The snapshot of alcohol disorder and dependence showed that a third of Australian men would have a drinking problem at some point in their lives – about double the rate of alcohol abuse among women.

Married people and those from a non-English-speaking background were less likely to have a problem with alcohol.

Men born during the 10 years to 1987 were 1.7 times more likely to drink at risky levels than men born the previous decade.

More than 40 per cent of those with alcohol problems also reported a mental illness, while comparison with a similar study done 10 years ago showed no improvement.

"Alcohol problems are most common in young men, so we need better strategies for young Australians," Prof Teesson said.

Additional reporting AAP

 

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Narconon Explains: Addiction On Rise Amongst Senior Citizens

As the baby boomer generation gets older, concern is raised whether or not the current health care system can handle the onslaught of the elderly population struggling with addiction and provide drug rehabilitation to those in need. 

The baby boomer generation, the group of 77 million babies born between the years of 1946 and 1964, was the first generation to become involved with widespread drug abuse. This group, born during the post World War II, will start turning 65 this year.

In a report released in 1995 by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Applied Statistics reported that approximately 49 percent of baby boomers had ever used illicit drugs. Today, many of these people continue to struggle with drug or alcohol addiction.  Now, as the largest-ever American generation reaches the senior age, concern is raised whether the current drug rehabilitation programs can handle the high number of senior citizens with addictions.

"This is not a teenage problem. This is not a college-level problem. This is a problem that is existing in today's boomer population," said Carol Colleran, author of Aging and Addiction: Helping Older Adults Overcome Alcohol and Medication Dependence.

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that in the last decade the number of drug treatment admissions for people age 50 or older has more than doubled.  Experts are concerned that current drug rehabilitation programs have been developed for the younger addicts and may not be able to handle the different circumstances presented by older adult addicts.  

"[The baby boomer generation] has a tremendous amount of responsibility on their shoulders. They have the responsibility of aging parents, they have the responsibility of their children," Colleran explained. "Plus, they have their own relationship with their spouse."

Older substance abusers tend to be more physically and psychologically unstable. They are also more likely to be intolerant to diagnosis and treatment.

One drug rehabilitation program, Narconon Arrowhead, believes they have the answer to the crisis on hand.

“The Narconon Arrowhead drug rehabilitation program is fully able to handle any case of drug addiction regardless of age,” explained Derry Hallmark, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Senior Director for Expansion for Narconon Arrowhead, “We have thorough experience with every demographic, ranging from young to old and have one of the highest success rates in the country for permanent recovery from addiction.”

Narconon is one of the largest and most successful drug rehabilitation programs in the world and, with a 70% success rate, has helped thousands of addicts find permanent sobriety.

“It is never too late to seek out help for your drug or alcohol addiction,” adds Hallmark. “We have counselors available 7 days a week that can help..”

For more information on Narconon program or to get drug rehabilitation help for an addiction for yourself or a loved one contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933.

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Genetic Variant Increases Risk of Severe Cocaine Abuse in Whites

A new study has found that nearly one is five white individuals carries a genetic variant that significantly increases his or her odds of severely abusing cocaine. This variant, which is characterized by tiny gene mutations, changes the brain’s response to the rewarding effects of substances such as cocaine. Ohio State University researchers found that carriers of the variant were more than three times more likely to be susceptible to cocaine abuse, which can lead to overdose and death.

The researchers found the mutations in more than 40 percent of autopsy brain samples taken from white people who had died of a cocaine overdose. Of white people who didn’t use drugs, only 19 percent had the mutation. One in five samples from the drug-free group had the variant, compared with one in two to three samples from the cocaine-using white individuals and one in eight African Americans. (The gene variant is less prevalent in African Americans.)

The study found that the mutations affect the way in which the brain reacts to the neurotransmitter dopamine (which is released in the brain after certain activities, including using cocaine). Previous studies have shown that cocaine blocks dopamine transmitters from absorbing dopamine after it is released in the brain, which leads to a feeling of euphoria that the brain eventually associates with cocaine and causes drug cravings.

This is the first study to find a strong connection in brain tissue between the mutations and severe cocaine abuse. However, many questions remain, such as whether the mutations increase the risk of someone trying cocaine in the first place, or whether they strengthen the brain’s drug craving, which leads to severe abuse.

Wolfgang Sadee, senior author of the study and a professor of pharmacology and director of the Program in Pharmacogenomics at Ohio State University, said that their study shows that the gene mutations may impact cocaine abuse, and could help researchers discover new therapies for a range of psychiatric disorders that involve dopamine.

No test currently exists to see whether people are carrying the mutations. Sadee and colleagues are currently examining how these mutations could affect the response of carriers to drugs that act on the gene.

Source: Science Daily, Genetic Trait Could Triple Odds of Whites’ Susceptibility to Heavy Cocaine Abuse, September 22, 2010

Genetic Variant Increases Risk of Severe Cocaine Abuse in Whites is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Substance abuse treatment admission rates show dramatic shifts from 1998 to 2008 - Examiner.com

Drug treatment admission rates, as well as types of drugs involved during the period of 1998 to 2008 shows dramatic shifts says a new study out by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, (SAMHSA).

The study is from the State Admissions to Substance Abuse Treatment Services, and the data derived from SAMHSA's Treatment Episode Data Set, (TEDS) 1998 - 2008. This is a system where drug treatment centers nationwide report their information.

Drug treatment admissions rates have basically remained static from 1998 to 2008 at about 770 admissions per 100,000 persons. However, these admission rates demonstrate striking variations by region. "For example, the rate of admissions for alcohol as the primary drug has declined by 15 percent nationally.   However admission rates for alcohol in West North Central states (Ark., Iowa, Kan., Minn., Mo., N.D., Neb. and S.D.) remained the same," reports newswise.com.

The problem is that while admission rates for alcohol as the primary drug have been declining, or remained stable, illicit drug use treatment admissions were rising, and continue to do so.

One interesting piece of information is there was a consistent pattern in every region of admission rates for "...marijuana use which rose 30 percent nationally.  From 1998 through 2008, marijuana treatment admission rates were highest in the West North Central and Middle Atlantic states (N.J., N.Y. and Pa.), reported newswise.com.

Many of these marijuana treatment admissions, however, are likely originating from the criminal justice system.

An alarming piece of info during this 11 year period is the opiate treatment admission rates, other than heroin, (and mostly from prescription narcotic pain relievers), that blasted off to an astonishing 345 percent increase nationwide.

According to newswise.com, "The new study shows that increased admissions for pain reliever abuse occurred in every region of the nation and were highest in the New England (Conn., Mass., Maine, N.H., R.I. and Vt.) and the East South Central states (Ala., Ky., Miss. and Tenn.)."

All across the country the rate of illicit drug use, (mostly from prescription drugs) has been rising, and being reported on as well, so this does not come as any surprise.

Treatment admissions for heroin actually declined by about 3 percent during 1998 to 2008, but don't let that fool you. In many states heroin admission rates have risen, especially in the Middle Atlantic states and New England.

Facts about drug and alcohol use amongst teenagers alone:

Now those statistics are alarming, and a sad commentary on the mostly ineffective drug education efforts taking place. That's not to take anything away from the fine folks who are in the trenches trying to make a difference in these figures, but there is obviously a huge problem out there still, and it appears to be getting worse, especially with tweens, and teens.

Cocaine admissions, on the other hand, have declined nationally by 23 percent. The Middle Atlantic states still have the highest rates of cocaine treatment admission through the period of 1998 to 2008.

These studies have major implications for concentrating resources. As SAMHSA Administrator Pamela S. Hyde, J.D. stated, “This study provides insight into the regional nature of substance abuse by highlighting the shifting trends in the reasons for admission to substance abuse treatment,” reported newswise.com.

There has been a dramatic rise in illicit drug treatment admissions, particularly for marijuana, and prescription drugs. This study highlights the problems, and continued needs for treatment, earlier intervention, and recovery support services.

According to Gil Kerlikowske, Director of National Drug Control Policy, “Drug addiction is a disease that requires the same kind of evidence-based, public health remedies called for with any chronic disease,”reported newswise.com.

Whatever your thoughts are regarding whether drug addiction is a disease, or not, the fact remains that not enough is being done for those already addicted, those thinking about, or already experimenting with drugs, as well as the children who someday may step into their shoes. Funding cuts in many states, and communities have impacted treatment services, and educational efforts those areas.

The Obama Administration, however, has "...requested an increase of $137 million for FY 2011 to expand access for drug treatment programs across the United States,” according to newswise.com. It is a paltry sum, especially when you factor in about 23 million people who have a substance abuse problem in this country.

It is a start though.

 

Full TEDS report: http://wwwdasis.samhsa.gov/teds08/teds2k8sweb.pdf

Related publications and information from SAMHSA: http://www.samhsa.gov/

 

In the flow...

 

 

 

 

For Parents: If you are struggling with a child who has a drug problem, visit The Partnership for Drugfree.org "Time to Get Help" where parents share their stories, and learn from those that are dealing, as well as dealt with the problems of drug abuse and addiction of a loved one.

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Betty Ford Center: Celebrity rehab's most famous faces - Examiner.com

Southern California's most famous rehab facility is the current home of Hollywood's most recent bad girl, but Lindsay Lohan is just one of many Hollywood stars that have called the Betty Ford Center home.  The Rancho Mirage clinic that specializes in chemical dependency issues and drug addictions has hosted dozens of some of Hollywood's most famous faces through the years. 

The world renowned Betty Ford Center, like other rehabilitation centers, has almost become a rite of passage for today's stars, along with celebrity sex tapes and reality shows catering to those whose stars have started to dim.

The almost thirty year old clinic is highly regarded in both its treatment programs and its confidentiality agreements, which makes it a popular place for celebrities who want to keep their addiction issues under wraps.

Here's a list of some of the Betty Ford Center's most famous faces.

1.    Robert Downey, Jr. - this star has said that he has been addicted to drugs since the innocent age of 8.  He has battled serious addictions to cocaine, heroin among other drugs and has checked himself into multiple drug rehabs including The Betty Ford Center over the years to combat his addictions.

2.    Drew Barrymore - this former child star entered for the first time at age 13 for drug and alcohol abuse and then returned back at 14 after an attempted suicide.

3.    Keith Urban - spent three months in 2006 at the center alcohol issues. 

4     Johnny Cash - entered the facility for treatment of painkillers, amphetamines and sleeping pills in 1983 after an ulcer-related surgery.

5.    Chevy Chase - was treated for a painkiller addiction in 1986.

6.    Ozzy Osbourne - the former lifelong drug addict entered in 1984 for alcohol and cocaine abuse.

7.    Elizabeth Taylor - a prescription pill addiction and alcohol issues sent this star for treatment in 1983 & again in 1988.

8.    Stevie Nicks - the Fleetwood Mac singer checked herself into the clinic twice, once in 1987 for a 30-day stay to kick cocaine and again in 1993 for an addiction to painkillers.

9.    Anna Nicole Smith - treated for Vicodin and alcohol in 1996.  Continued to abuse drugs until her death in February 2007.

10.  Liza Minnelli - was a patient in 1984 for Valium and alcohol.

11.  Billy Joel - the piano man himself entered the facility in 2005 for an addiction to alcohol.

12.  Jerry Lee Lewis - he stayed for a short 2 day stint relating to alcohol and drugs and then decided he could quit on his own.

13.  David Hasselhoff - one of youtube.com's most watched video stars, he entered the program in 2002 for alcohol addiction.

14.  Bobby Brown - no stranger to serious drug abuse and trouble with the law, Whitney Houston's husband checked in for drugs and alcohol in 1995.

It's great to see a celebrity able to admit to an addiction, because as they say, the first step is admitting that you have a problem.  The Betty Ford Center worked for some, it didn't for others.  Addiction is a lifelong process and something that must be taken day by day, hour by hour and minute by minute.

Lindsay Lohan has the ability to overcome this disease and she can do it.  Just ask Robert Downey, Jr.

What do you think?  Will Lindsay fare better or worse than the celebrities listed above?  Does she have enough of a support system to help her take it day by day?  Leave your comments below!

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