Rehab Drug Centers: 2011

Friday, February 11, 2011

When Drug Rehab Makes Sense

Let’s face it, looking at the other guy and thinking he really has a drug problem is a whole lot easier than squaring up to the realization that it’s actually you that may be in trouble because of drug abuse, dependence, or addiction. Not only that, but when someone’s in the grip of drugs, it is so much simpler just to deny anything at all is wrong.

Is it any wonder then that it’s often so difficult for the person who really needs help to know when drug rehab makes sense? For the purposes of discussion, let’s say this person is you – although the same suggestions apply if you are looking for ways to help a loved one or friend get more information on whether drug rehab is the right choice now.

Life Spiraling Out of Control

There are many aspects of drug use that could be examined in order to get at the specifics of how bad it has to be before someone needs professional help. That is beyond the scope of this article. Suffice to say that when the drug user’s life is spiraling out of control, that’s when treatment is necessary – and fast.

But what, exactly, constitutes a life spiraling out of control? Here’s what it isn’t. It isn’t when you just seem to have a bad day, aren’t making enough money to suit you, or are vaguely dissatisfied with life in general.

Likewise, if your drug use is limited to occasionally taking a prescription medication for pain or anxiety or depression – and you take it as directed by your doctor, that’s not an indication that your life is out of control. You may be in a little more discomfort than you had in the past, but injury, aging, or accidents could be the reason for that. And, the body is pretty miraculous in how well it can heal, given enough time.

Here’s a clearer picture of life spiraling out of control:

• You are constantly thinking about where, how, and when to get drugs.
• You become anxious and agitated the closer it gets to the time when you normally use.
• Thoughts about using – anticipating the rush, how good you feel after you use – consume your every waking moment.
• You lose interest in anything not connected with your drug use.
• You stop associating with former friends and your only companions now are those connected with drug use. These may be the pals you use with, your dealer, or other drug-related acquaintances.
• You stop taking care of yourself physical needs. You don’t eat properly, sleep is fitful and plagued with nightmares. You have medical conditions that you don’t seek treatment for.
• Your physical appearance suffers: skin is pale, or sallow, maybe hangs from your frame like a drape or you are so emaciated that your bones are visible.
• You completely disregard personal hygiene, refusing to take regular baths, shampoo and comb your hair, brush your teeth. Your gums may bleed and your teeth may be rotting – especially if you are addicted to crystal meth.
• Your family has disowned you, kicked you out of the house, or the relationship is so strained that your homelife is like a powderkeg.
• You lose your job or get demoted as a result of your drug use.
• You squander all the household income in order to finance your drug use – as well as alcohol use and/or other addictions, such as compulsive gambling, compulsive spending, and so on.
• Your home goes into foreclosure.
• You have to file bankruptcy.
• You get arrested on drug charges.
• Legal bills mount, along with court costs, fees and fines.
• You go to jail.
• You start thinking that suicide may be the answer.

Do any of these sound like things you are experiencing in your life right now? If so, drug rehab could very well make sense for you.

Getting Past Denial

Of course, no one wants to admit that they have a drug problem. The person with the drug problem is usually the last one to recognize that their life has spiraled out of control. Everyone else around him or her can see it, but not the one who’s constantly using.

No, the person – maybe you – thinks, “I can take care of myself. My drug use is under control. I don’t need any help.” There are many different variations of what you tell yourself, but the synopsis is always the same: don’t have a problem, don’t need help, don’t want help.

That is a huge mistake.

Until you can wake up to the truth and admit that you do have a problem with drugs, you’re only going to perpetuate the misery you’re currently in. In fact, your downhill slide is more than likely going to happen quicker.

What will it take for you to be able to see how unhappy your drug use is making you? What about the looks on the faces of your loved ones, your spouse, your children? They only want the best for you, even if life with you has become intolerable, frightening, even dangerous.

If you live with a spouse or others who also abuse drugs or alcohol or engage in other addictive behavior, self-recognition of your problem becomes even tougher. That’s why couples who both use have such a hard time staying clean and sober following treatment unless both are committed to long-term sobriety.

Facing the reality that your life is now as a result of drug use takes courage. It’s certainly not pleasant to look at the mess you’ve made of your life, how much sorrow you’ve caused those who care about you.

But you can do it. First, you have to squash that inner voice that tries to insist that you’re okay. You’re not okay, and deep down inside you actually know it.

Can’t You Just Quit on Your Own?

While you might be an extraordinarily strong person, trying to quit drugs on your own is like trying to fly. You might have a brief success, but you’ll ultimately crash. Why is that? When you become dependent upon or addicted to drugs, your brain becomes habituated to the presence of the drugs. It changes in dramatic ways so that the messages sent to the brain’s pleasure center only react to the next intake of drugs. Your body demands the drugs, that’s why you have such intense drug cravings. The only thing that qualms the cravings is to use.

Sure, you may have all the best intentions. You toss the drugs or flush them down the drain, or use up the last of your stash and vow not to buy any more.

Guess how long that promise lasts?

Only until you start feeling the first symptoms of withdrawal.

Funny how it works. Even a brawny, six-foot-plus male who prides himself in self-discipline (except for his drug use) is reduced to a crazed search for drugs once withdrawal kicks in big-time. Going cold-turkey on drugs is just as foolhardy, in most instances, as trying to kick drinking when you’re a stone alcoholic. It could be more than just mild withdrawal symptoms you’ll have to deal with. Depending on your drug of choice, how long you’ve used, how often you use, and how much you use, whether you abuse alcohol as well as drugs – along with other factors such as your general health and pre-existing medical conditions – withdrawal can be severe or even life-threatening.

So, quitting on your own is just not a good idea. You need to undergo withdrawal under 24-hour medical supervision. This can be done at a detoxification center, either a hospital or detox center, or residential drug rehab that also has a detox facility on-site.

Besides, detoxing – or getting all the toxic substances (drugs) out of your system – is just the prerequisite or first step to getting better. Without treatment, usually consisting of counseling and perhaps medications to help control or reduce urges, you’ll only relapse and be right back where you started.

That’s when drug rehab makes sense. When you want to quit and know that trying to do so on your own is likely to fail, going into treatment for substance abuse is a very good option. In fact, it may be your only opportunity to get clean and sober – and have any hope of a meaningful recovery.

Rehab Close to Home or Away

Maybe you have your reasons for not wanting to go into rehab. One of these may be that you need a complete change of venue in order to make a complete break from your past addictive ways. That’s perfectly understandable. There are many drug rehab facilities that are in other parts of your state or in other states that may be within your reach.

On the other hand, maybe you are worried that you can’t possibly go into drug rehab because you need to be close to your family. You’re afraid that if you’re away from them, something bad will happen.

Actually, going into drug rehab is the best thing you can do – for for yourself and for your family. What do you think will happen to you and to them if you continue your current drug usage? Your problems, whatever they are right now, will only get worse. You may resort to petty crime to finance your drug use, become aggressive and violent with your loved ones, close friends, even strangers.

This is not a situation you want to contemplate, but you need to look at how drug abuse changes individuals. The sorry picture you have of certain incidents that happened in your past due to drug use is nothing compared to the world of hurt you might be in store for if you don’t get help now to overcome your addiction.

Can’t Afford the Time

Here’s another excuse – yes, let’s call it what it is – that many people offer up as a valid reason for not going into drug rehab. Even when they know they need help, that they will continue to go downhill without professional help, they complain that they just can’t afford the time.

What about eternity? That’s time without end – and that’s what you’ll be looking at sooner than you think if you keep on abusing drugs. What’s a 30- or 60- or even 90-day treatment program in the vast scheme of things? If you come out of treatment better equipped to deal with life’s stresses, challenges, and opportunities without resorting to drugs, isn’t that a good use of your time?

You know the answer to that one. Of course, drug rehab makes sense – especially when your life right now doesn’t make much sense at all.

Afraid of What Others Think

If you’re deep into drug use, you may think that you’re so far past caring about what others think, but you’d be surprised. Studies have shown that even chronic alcoholics and drug addicts have a sense of what their community members (those who also abuse alcohol and drugs) think. Dr. Gabor Maté, physician and author of In The Realm Of Hungry Ghosts, who works in a clinic for addicts in Vancouver’s Downtown Eastside, notes how the men and women there – all addicts – care for one another, despite how far down on the rung of humanity they’ve slipped.

These addicts, many of whom support their habit by prostitution, petty crime, handouts, know what they are. Yet they still cling to hope, even the faintest shred of it. Due to the non-judgmental attitude of Dr. Maté and others at the clinic, the addicts receive treatment for their medical condition, prescriptions to help them with sobriety, allay anxiety, combat depression, even help with living conditions. If they want counseling, that is provided for them as well.

Different world? Perhaps. Vancouver’s system is rather unique. But that isn’t the point. What is the point is that addicts the world over are human beings. And as human beings, we each have value. We each have an innate worth, even if we’ve buried it so far beneath years of drug use that we can’t even recognize it.

Why should you care what others think? If anything, they’re thinking that they wish you well and hope that you get the treatment you need to overcome your addiction.

You should care about you, and what you think about your life right now and how much better it can be in the future. This is when drug rehab makes sense.

Where to Find Treatment

Looking for a drug rehab center that will work for you is not that difficult. You can call 877-378-6407 to find out about drug treatment options in your area. Or you can go to the Treatment Facility Locator (http://findtreatment.samhsa.gov/) maintained by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). This is an online searchable database that includes drug and alcohol treatment facilities across the United States. You can also call their toll-free treatment referral helpline at 1-800-662-HELP and speak with a representative who can assist you by directing you to local treatment facilities, state agencies for treatment assistance, answer questions or send you informational material.

Another source for finding treatment is to talk with your doctor, local health agency, your health care provider, even a friend who has gone through drug rehab with good success.

The point is that if you can admit that you have a drug problem and want to get help for it, drug rehab makes sense. And if drug rehab makes sense, take the next step and make plans to go in for treatment. The sooner you get treatment, the quicker you’ll be on the road to recovery.

Imagine a future where you’re no longer a slave to your drug habit, where you’ll have the opportunity to live your life to its fullest, setting goals and achieving your dreams. You can have this. It is attainable. Now, do your part and get started with drug rehab. It really does make sense.

When Drug Rehab Makes Sense is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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When Drug Rehab Makes Sense

Life Spiraling Out of Control

Here’s a clearer picture of life spiraling out of control:

Do any of these sound like things you are experiencing in your life right now? If so, drug rehab could very well make sense for you.

Getting Past Denial

That is a huge mistake.

But you can do it. First, you have to squash that inner voice that tries to insist that you’re okay. You’re not okay, and deep down inside you actually know it.

Can’t You Just Quit on Your Own?

Sure, you may have all the best intentions. You toss the drugs or flush them down the drain, or use up the last of your stash and vow not to buy any more.

Guess how long that promise lasts?

Only until you start feeling the first symptoms of withdrawal.

Rehab Close to Home or Away

Can’t Afford the Time

You know the answer to that one. Of course, drug rehab makes sense – especially when your life right now doesn’t make much sense at all.

Afraid of What Others Think

Why should you care what others think? If anything, they’re thinking that they wish you well and hope that you get the treatment you need to overcome your addiction.

You should care about you, and what you think about your life right now and how much better it can be in the future. This is when drug rehab makes sense.

Where to Find Treatment

Another source for finding treatment is to talk with your doctor, local health agency, your health care provider, even a friend who has gone through drug rehab with good success.

When Drug Rehab Makes Sense is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Wednesday, February 9, 2011

From Drug Use to Drug Addiction: No Longer Having a Choice

Seventy-five years ago two men came together and agreed that they had no power over their addictions. The power to quit would have to come not from their will power but from somewhere else. It took 75 years for science to catch up to what the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous figured out intuitively — addicts have no choice but to continue to use and reuse whatever drug or substance they are addicted to because they cannot stop. Addiction is by definition a habit that is beyond rational choice.

The two men who founded AA also determined that once addicted, always addicted, although they did not know why.

Although two ordinary men figured out how addiction works in 1935, the American Medical Association did not officially recognize substance addiction as a disease beyond control until 1970, opening the door for insurance and government programs to pay for drug addiction treatments like any other medical condition. Today drug addiction is considered an organic brain disease something like asthma, diabetes and hypertension in that it is caused and determined by a complex interaction of a person’s genetic tendencies, behaviors, and environment. Like those other three diseases, drug addiction has approved methods of treatment that include medication and behavioral changes. Also like asthma, diabetes and hypertension, drug addiction is a chronic, incurable disease. How much you recover and how healthy you remain depends on how well you comply with medical recommendations. Drug addicts have about the same level of compliance as people with other diseases.

Some people can try drugs many times without being addicted, others become addicted almost immediately. Studies of separated identical twins indicate that the reasons may be partly genetic because if one twin is addicted, the other has a much higher than average chance of being addicted too. Scientists also know the genes of a laboratory animal alter if the animal is injected with cocaine, and that these genetic changes affect their offspring in ways that make them in turn more susceptible to drug addiction. A study of female drug addicts found that their children and grandchildren were more likely to become drug addicts, even if the woman quit before getting pregnant. If a child has a disease that causes brain inflammation, the child has an increased risk of becoming a drug addict. Such research indicates that people can be born or acquire a tendency toward drug addiction in the same way that genetics can put people at higher risk for other chronic diseases.

Scientists have also discovered that once a person is addicted to drugs, they experience certain irreversible changes in their brain circuitry and the way they feel pleasure. This means that if they go back to drugs after treatment, they will become addicted again, which the founders of AA understood when they said, “Once addicted, always addicted.” The reason is that drug addiction causes permanent changes in the brain’s structure and functions, particularly in five of the brain’s neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are chemicals that permit the brain to transmit signals from one cell to another. So far, research indicates that drug addiction permanently affects two of these chemicals, serotonin and dopamine, which are involved in the process of feeling pleasure. Addicts feel depressed and then experience an overwhelming need to seek out their drug of choice because their past substance abuse has created a chemical imbalance in their brains. Although a drug addict’s first use of drug was a voluntary choice to experiment, once he becomes an addict, he loses the ability to choose.

The treatment for drug addiction involves medications and behavioral changes. Diabetics have to monitor their blood sugar, eat healthy foods, and maintain a healthy weight. Former drug addicts have to monitor their feeling states because certain ones, such as anger or depression, can “trigger” drug cravings. Likewise, they have to learn how to deal with their former drug-using friends as well as places and opportunities that are cues for using drugs. Since it is so hard for a recovering addict to overcome these triggers, she usually has to remain in a drug-free facility for several months and then get continued support from psychologists and self-help groups like Narcotics Anonymous. Socio-economic status, psychiatric disorders, dropping out of treatment, and the amount of support from family and friends affect the ability to recover from drugs. How the person complies with her treatment program determines if she remains healthy and drug-free.

REFERENCES
Alcoholics Anonymous Services. Alcoholics Anonymous: Big Book, 4th Edition. New York: Alcoholics Anonymous World Services, Inc., 2003.
“The Brain: Understanding Neurobiology through the Study of Addiction,” National Institute of Health, pamphlets and web instruction, see http://drugabuse.gov/Curriculum/HSCurriculum.html
Childress AR; McElgin W; Mozley PD; Fitzgerald J; Reivich M; O’Brien CP. “Limbic activation during cue-induced cocaine craving,” American Journal of Psychiatry, 1999, 156:1, pg. 11-18.
Everitt, Barry and Trevor W Robbins. “Neural systems of reinforcement for drug addiction: from actions to habits to compulsion.” Nature Neuroscience 8, 1481 – 1489 (2005)
Leshner, A.I. “Science Is Revolutionizing Our View of Addiction—and What to Do About It,” Focus, Spring 2003; 1: 194 – 195.
Leshner, A.I. “Addiction is a brain disease, and it matters,” Science 3 October 1997: Vol. 278 no. 5335 pp. 45-47.
McLellan, Thomas; David C. Lewis; Charles P. O’Brien; Herbert D. Kleber. “Drug Dependence, a Chronic Medical Illness: Implications for Treatment, Insurance, and Outcomes Evaluation.” JAMA, Oct 2000; 284: 1689 – 1695.

Siegfried, Tom. “Mom’s Past Drug Abuse may alter brain chemistry of offspring,” US News and World Report, November 15, 2011, posted at http://www.usnews.com/science/articles/2010/11/15/moms-past-drug-abuse-may-alter-brain-chemistry-of-offspring.html

From Drug Use to Drug Addiction: No Longer Having a Choice is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Saturday, February 5, 2011

According to Narconon: Never Too Late To Seek Out Drug Rehabilitation

After a 30 year addiction, one man explains how Narconon gave him a renewed outlook on life.

Mike, a Narconon graduate from 2001, spent most of his life struggling with an addiction to alcohol. “I had lost so many great career opportunities and close relationships to drug addiction,” said Mike. “I was 48 years old and felt like I had wasted my life chasing the false high of drugs and alcohol.”

After 30 years of drug addiction, with little hope for the future, Mike decided to seek out treatment through a drug rehabilitation program called Narconon Arrowhead.
“Upon arrival at Narconon, I was given immediate help and assistance,” explained Mike. “The staff and the therapy techniques made the withdraw experience virtually painless.”

Narconon Arrowhead uses a totally drug-free method of withdrawal. During withdrawal the individual will cease substance abuse and begin treatment with minimal discomfort through proper nutrition, vitamins, and treatments from the trained withdrawal specialist.

“On the sauna detoxification program, I was able to get decades of stored drugs and toxins fully out of my system, while restoring the nutritional balances vital to a drug free and happy life,” said Mike. “I literally felt 20 years younger after completing this part of the program, and the physical cravings were gone.”

The Narconon New Life Detoxification Program as delivered at Narconon Arrowhead is backed by scientific studies showing drugs are eliminated during the program. Results from these studies show that the New Life Detoxification Program releases these toxins from the stored fat and safely removes the toxins from the body, resulting in an increase in mental clarity, improved physical health, and an elimination of the physical side of drug cravings.

“The rest of the program addressed all emotional damage and depression that came from the drug and alcohol abuse,” explained Mike. “Narconon gave me actual tools to use in my everyday life, helping me actually go for and reach my new found goals without drugs and alcohol.”

The long term, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program has been successfully rehabilitating addicts since the 1960’s. With a 70% success rate for permanent sobriety, Narconon has proven to be successful in rehabilitating those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and specializes in handling the full extent of all types of drug and alcohol addictions.

“I have been drug and alcohol free for almost 10 years now, and I can honestly say I have never once had the urge to return to the life of drinking and abusing drugs,” said Mike.

“No matter how hopeless it may seem and no matter how many times you have already tried to get and stay clean, there is hope and there is a workable solution. There is a whole world out there waiting for you, full of life, joy, happiness, and fulfillment.”

After completing the Narconon Program, Mike trained to become a Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor, helping others to get the Narconon technology which saved his life.

For more information on the Narconon program or to help someone who is struggling with an addiction, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933.

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Thursday, February 3, 2011

Study Finds Psychological Deterioration in Drug Abusers

A new study from researchers at Spain’s University of Granada has found that drug abusers have difficulty identifying negative emotions (such as anger, disgust, fear, and sadness) by their facial expressions. In addition, the study found that regular abuse of alcohol, marijuana, and cocaine usually affects the users’ fluency and decision-making. Cocaine abuse is associated with changes in inhibition, and marijuana and cocaine use negatively affects work memory and reasoning.

For the study, the researchers performed a neuropsychological evaluation with 123 polysybstance abusers (those who abuse different types of drugs) and 67 non-drug users from similar social and demographic backgrounds. The polysubstance abusers mostly abused cocaine, marijuana, heroin, alcohol, MDMA, and methamphetamine, and were enrolled in two drug rehab programs (Proyecto Hombre and Cortijo Buenos Aires) in Granada.

The study found that 70 percent of drug abusers had some type of neuropsychological deterioration, regardless of the type of drug they used. Deterioration was found in working memory, fluency, flexibility, planning, multitasking, and interference.

This study is the first to study psychological deterioration in drug abusers who are enrolled in drug rehabilitation programs. Although previous studies have looked at emotional recognition by drug users, those studies focused on recognition as a unit process. The current study analyzed the relation between drug abuse and recognition of basic emotions such as happiness, fear, sadness, and surprise.

Lead author María José Fernández Serrano, along with professors Miguel Pérez García and Antonio Javier Verdejo García, of the Department of Personality and Psychological Treatment and Evaluation at the University of Granada, said she thinks that the study’s results could help develop policies aimed at promoting drug rehab programs that have been adapted to the neuropsychological profile of drug abusers.

Source: Science Daily, Drug-Abusers Have Difficulty to Recognize Negative Emotions as Wrath, Fear and Sadness, Study Finds, February 3, 2011

Study Finds Psychological Deterioration in Drug Abusers is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Monday, January 31, 2011

Drug Addiction Starts During Teen Years

Two new studies involving laboratory animals indicate that adolescence is a crucial time to develop drug addictions, because adults react differently to drugs than youngsters.

The first study was from Beckman Institute at the University of Illinois. Dr. Justin Rhodes and his colleagues found that adolescent mice were less sensitive to the effects of cocaine and methamphetamine than adults. The adults showed more increases in locomotion, but the drugs had little to no effect on the "teenagers." Dr. Rhodes was unsure why this occurred.

Dr. Rhodes said that a young person’s first experiment with cocaine and methamphetamines may be extremely mild, which in turn would increase the likelihood of his or her using drugs again.

"If you have a strong reaction to something, then you are less likely to do it again," Dr. Rhodes said.

This study appears in the journal Neuroscience.

The second study was from the University of Valencia. Dr. Jose Minarro found that mice given ecstasy and cocaine during adolescence developed a vulnerability to them in adulthood. The control group of mice that had not been exposed to drugs in adolescence had less vulnerability.

"Adolescence is a critical stage during which time drug consumption affects plastic cerebral processes in ways that cause changes that persist right through adulthood," according to Dr. Minarro in a report published in the journal Addiction Biology.

Drug Addiction Starts During Teen Years is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Saturday, January 29, 2011

Drug Rehab Discusses: Possible Cocaine Vaccination

With the possibility of a new cocaine vaccination, the question arises whether or not this is an effective form of drug rehab.

A new cocaine vaccine has been developed by a team of researchers led by Dr. Ronald Crystal at Weil Cornell Medical College. A team, led by Dr. Crystal created a combination of an inactive part of the cold virus, known as the adenovirus, with a structure similar to cocaine to act as a vaccine to this addiction.

According to CNN Health, the vaccine works by stimulating the auto immune system which creates antibodies, preventing the cocaine from passing through the blood barrier. After an experimental trial on mice, CNN Health reported on January 5, that the vaccine appears to negate the effects of cocaine addiction by keeping it from affecting the central nervous system.

The current vaccine, although not tested on humans yet, raises concern among industries treating addiction as many other substitute therapies for drug abuse have not been successful for permanent recovery in addicts.

Derry Hallmark, Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Senior Director for Expansion for Narconon Arrowhead, one of the world’s largest and most successful rehabilitation centers, discusses the cocaine vaccination.

“Although this cocaine vaccination is marketed to possibly prevent the physical abuse of cocaine, the mental drug addiction will definitely still be present,” explains Hallmark. “We haven’t seen enough cases to know the validity of the vaccine, but even if it works the addictive personality will find a way to get high by abusing another drug or skipping treatment with the vaccination.”

“With drug addiction, the underlying issues must be treated or the addictive personality will continue to control the individual’s life,” adds Hallmark. “Narconon has been treating addiction since the 1960’s and there has to be an effort on part of the addicted person to really tackle the mental aspects of addiction. There is no shortcut like a magic pill or vaccine to do this.”

Narconon Arrowhead is a long term, inpatient drug rehab program that handles the full extent of addiction, and with a 70% success rate, has done this effectively for more than 40 years.

“The cocaine vaccination cannot fully address all components that lead the person down the road of addiction in the first place,” says Hallmark. “Narconon Arrowhead can rehabilitate the person fully, without the use of any drugs or substitute medications.”

For more information on drug rehab for you or someone you know who is struggling with a drug addiction contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933.

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Thursday, January 27, 2011

Enablers Delay Recovery of Drug Addicts

The power of addiction is deep-seated. It is so strong, that it may cause an otherwise, sweet and innocent individual to become a completely different person. It can push someone to prostitute themselves for drugs. Some struggling to overcome addiction will steal money from family or friends in order to get their next fix. Many will take advantage of those they care about because the urge to use is so intense.

An enabler is someone who offers support or resources to an addict. It could be something as simple as providing the addict with housing or transportation because he is spending all his money on drugs. Or, maybe the addict is prostituting herself or stealing in return for drugs, and the enabler supplies financial support because he doesn’t want to see his loved one end up in jail. Whatever the case may be, these behaviors are very dangerous to the health of the addict.

Enablers aren’t always family members. They can be neighbors, friends, co-workers, or even teachers. If the enabler truly understood the harm they were inflicting, they wouldn’t continue to provide support. They are usually people that truly care for the person suffering with addiction. Most have good intentions and want to help—or at minimum, don’t want to cause a scene.

They believe that they are actually helping those they care about by preventing ‘worse case scenarios.’ Enablers often operate under the mentality that if they don’t help those who are afflicted, they will get resources from somewhere else anyway. However, the truth is, most addicts would not be able to continue in their addictions without the support of enablers.

Enablers may also fear rejection from their loved ones if they do not yield support. Thomas Kosten, MD, founder of the division of substance abuse at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston says that enablers should not feel guilty for saying no. He affirms that tough love is actually the best way to help.

Just like everyone else in life, addicts need to know that there are consequences for their actions. When we stop enabling, we allow them to face the repercussions of their bad choices. Whether that is the loss of a job, being stripped of material possessions, going to jail, or destroying a relationship with someone they love, hitting rock-bottom may be the only catalyst compelling addicts to wake up and change their ways.

When addicts are faced with the consequences of their actions, they realize what they stand to lose. They are forced to make decisions about what is most important in their lives. It is only then that treatment and recovery can begin. But just like any form of loving discipline, friends and family need to stand firm in order for the process to work.

If you think you might be an enabler, examine your role in aiding the addiction, and let your loved one know that you will not be able to continue the cycle. Be strong and don’t back down. Enforcing consequences can pull at your heart strings, but doing so will offer those you care about the best chance at recovery and rehabilitation.

Enablers Delay Recovery of Drug Addicts is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Combining Alcohol and Drugs

The National Survey on Drug Use and Health reports that 17.5 percent of underage drinkers admitted to having used illicit drugs within 2 hours of using alcohol. When drugs and alcohol are combined, the result is often a visit to the emergency department. Healthcare professionals have an opportunity during that visit to intervene and educate the young person about the dangers of combining alcohol and drugs.

Using alcohol and drugs together can result in very dangerous consequences, such as injury or risky sexual behavior. It is important to understand the trends occurring among adolescents related to alcohol and drug use, and the Drug Abuse Warning Network provides reports detailing emergency department visits involving drug use.

Recently DAWN released a report for the 2008 emergency department visits involving underage drinking in combination with drug use. The report focuses on emergency visits by individuals under the legal age of 21, including adolescents aged 12 to 17 and young adults aged 18 to 20.

There were 188,981 alcohol-related emergency department visits by individuals aged 12 to 20 in 2008, with 70.0 percent involving only alcohol and 30.0 percent involving alcohol in combination with other drugs. Illicit drugs were used in 68.4 percent of those visits that involved both alcohol and drugs. Marijuana was the most common illicit drug used, followed by cocaine, illicit stimulants and heroin.

Over half of the cases involved pharmaceutical drugs, and of those drugs, medications used to treat anxiety or insomnia were the most widely used, followed by narcotic pain relievers, antidepressants or antipsychotics and acetaminophen products.

The report indicates that there was little difference indicated between genders or age groups regarding emergency department visits involving a combination of drugs and alcohol. There was also little difference seen between different racial groups.

Many underage patients who were treated in the emergency department require additional treatment. However, the DAWN report showed that nearly two thirds of cases showed no evidence of any type of follow-up care. There was more evidence of follow-up care among adolescents aged 12 to 17 than there was for young adults aged 18 to 20.

The report released by DAWN for 2008 shows that 3 out of every 10 emergency department visits made by underage drinkers also involved drugs. The emergency department can be the only chance for prevention and education strategies to be introduced to underage drinkers.

The lack of difference between age, gender and race indicate that a general intervention program may be just as effective as targeting particular individuals. The emergency department is also an ideal time for educating parents about the importance of involvement with their children’s decisions about drinking and drugs.

Combining Alcohol and Drugs is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Americans Admit to Driving After Using Drugs and Alcohol

There are many dangerous behaviors associated with the use of drugs and alcohol. The rate of risky sexual behaviors goes up with the use of drugs and alcohol, as well as the occurrence of related injuries. One dangerous behavior that affects not only the user but countless others is the decision to drive while using drugs or alcohol.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) provides information about the state of drug and alcohol use in the United States. The reports issued by SAMHSA offer insight into developing effective strategies for preventing dangerous behaviors associated with substance use.

According to SAMHSA data, approximately 30 million Americans aged 16 years and older admit to drunk driving. In addition, an estimated 10 million report that they have driven while under the influence of drugs.

The analysis completed by SAMHSA indicates that those figures may translate to approximately 20 percent of the population admitting to driving in drunk in some states. On average across the states, 13.2 percent of those aged at least 16 years drove while under the influence of alcohol in the last year, while 4.3 percent drove while using illegal drugs.

The rates of driving while using a substance vary widely from one state to another. For example, the highest percentage of drunk driving took place in Wisconsin and North Dakota (23.7 and 22.4 percent, respectively). The highest rates of driving while using an illegal drug were recorded in Rhode Island and Vermont (7.8 and 6.6 percent, respectively). The lowest levels of drunk driving were found in Utah and Mississippi.

The use of alcohol and drugs while driving also varies among different age groups. In a self-reported body of data, it was estimated that those aged 16 to 25 years drive while under the influence of alcohol at a rate of 19.5 percent, while those over the age of 26 report a rate of 11.8 percent.

The use of illegal drugs in combination with driving also varies by age. Those aged 16 to 25 used drugs while driving at a rate of 11.4 percent, while adults over the age of 26 reported driving while under the influence of drugs at a rate of 2.8 percent.

SAMHSA’s report includes encouraging information. The rates of driving while under the influence of drugs or alcohol has dropped in recent years. In the report summarizing data from 2002 to 2005, the rate of alcohol-influenced driving was 14.6 percent. However, in the recent report released detailing information from 2006 to 2009, the rate had dropped to 13.2 percent. Likewise, driving while under the influence of drugs dropped from 4.8 percent to 4.3 percent in the same time period.

Americans Admit to Driving After Using Drugs and Alcohol is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Thursday, January 20, 2011

Drug Rehab Financing

In our current medical industry, unfortunately the best rehabs are not the cheapest rehabs. In fact, the old adage “you get what you pay for” is indeed applicable to drug rehab to a certain degree. While families shouldn’t expect that they need to sell their home and get second and third jobs, sometimes saving someone’s life does require a sacrifice like, as an example, parting with the old and rarely used bass boat.

And for some families, bass boats aren’t readily available and they are just simply doing their best to make ends meet. When the unexpected and unprepared for addiction presents itself in a family, it can be tough for families to know where to turn. Families do not want to sacrifice the quality of care for their loved one for any reason, especially for a financial reason.

Fortunately, the ability to finance treatment is available at most of the top centers. Financing treatment can be available often through structured payment plans or even through the ability to get a loan for the balance of the program. Most admissions counselors at the top facilities will be very educated on how to help families maximize their financing and lending potential including helping to identify credit scores and credit-worthiness and even extending to knowing which external lending companies to shop with, depending on each specific circumstance.

Because financing is so readily available for treatment, most of the centers including the top centers are no longer cost-prohibitive to most families. This means that a family does not have to have to worry about getting their loved one the best help possible and ultimately saving their lives.

Our rehab center offers a wide range of financing and payment options for clients.

Call us today at 800-468-6933 for more information.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Vaccine for Cocaine Addiction May Cause Body to Attack the Drug as an Invader

A new vaccine may bring new possibilities for people who hope to break free from cocaine addiction.

Researchers say the vaccine, recently studied in mice but planned for human clinical trials, could essentially cause the user to create immunity to the drug – cancelling out cocaine’s pleasurable and addictive effects.

Published in Molecular Therapy, researchers from Weill Cornell Medical College, genetic medicine department, say the vaccine could bring hope for cocaine addicts where other possibilities have failed. Weill Cornell researchers are especially hopeful because the process is one that could rapidly be adapted for trials for humans, leading the vaccine down a quicker path to FDA approval for cocaine addicts. Currently no formally approved vaccine is available for treating people with addictions to drugs.

Funded by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, ingredients in the vaccine tested on mice include pieces from the virus that causes the common cold and a particle that acts similar to cocaine. These ingredients created an immune response in mice, an antibody reaction that adheres to the cocaine before it goes to the brain. The vaccine causes the body to believe that the cocaine is an invader that must be stopped, an effect boosted by the cold virus. Over time, a person’s biologic immunity to cocaine could grow stronger and stronger until any attempts to use the drug are blocked by the body.

While the vaccine shows promise, it may not be perfect, warn experts. Cocaine addicts may attempt to bypass their body’s immune response by taking in even larger amounts of cocaine. Additionally, people’s immune responses vary, and there may be unique challenges for the vaccine for people whose immune systems are already weakened.

Cocaine users are drawn to its quick stimulating effect, which is known to contribute to dangerous behaviors. Like other drugs, cocaine causes changes at the brain level that make it highly psychologically addictive. The new vaccine prevents the boost of stimulation from cocaine, because the body begins to attack the drug as it would a virus. The immune-block effects of the vaccine endured for a considerable amount of time in the mice – more than three months, another favorable element of the vaccine.

The researchers have utilized only the elements of the cold virus that trigger an immune reaction, leaving behind those that are linked to symptoms of the illness. Overall, the mice that were injected with the vaccine and then given cocaine were not as active and stimulated as the mice who did not receive the vaccination. These results held true even when the mice took in continuous, larger amounts of cocaine, similar in proportion to the level a cocaine addict might consume.

Researchers associated with the study say the vaccine may have the strongest benefit for people whose cocaine addiction is already in full swing, but who want to recover. Clinical trials with humans are planned, and could lead to a new tool cocaine addicts could use along with other forms of addiction treatment.

Vaccine for Cocaine Addiction May Cause Body to Attack the Drug as an Invader is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Inpatient Drug Rehabilitation vs. Detoxification Treatment: Which One Is Most Effective For Addiction?

With the ever increasing abuse of powerful opiates, such as heroin, OxyContin and other opioid drugs, there has become a great need for effective drug rehabilitation that works for this type of addiction.

The most recent addition to the drug trade can easily be identified as prescription medications such as OxyContin and other pain pills classified as opioids. Around the country, more and more addicts are being prosecuted for falsely obtaining prescriptions.

Some doctors are under investigation for writing illegal scripts. There are also those who start out abusing prescriptions and turn to heroin. With this problem turning into an epidemic, there are many who are trying to get help only to find that some types of drug rehabilitation are not effective for treating this type of addiction.

To reveal which type treatment is more effective, doctors from the University of Birmingham and the National Addiction Center, both in London, England, conducted a 2 year study where numerous opiate addicts were recruited as patients. These patients were split into two controlled groups. One group entered inpatient treatment and the other group went through a detoxification process then entered outpatient treatment.

As a result of this study, it was determined that, inpatient long term drug rehabilitation was by far the most effective route for someone struggling with drug addiction.

Experts from the study go on to say that, “long-term treatment offers the most promising route to reduction in drug dependence.” In addition, the report stated that, “Detoxification is not a treatment in its own right, but rather the first (and often necessary) step in a pathway to recovery.”

In a recent survey done by the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it was found that the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, like OxyContin, rose 12 percent in the past two years. All around the United States, people are becoming dependent on powerful prescription opiates, which, once addicted, are almost impossible to quit using without the right drug rehabilitation.

“During the time following detoxification, a recovering addict will be very vulnerable, mentally and physically,” explains Derry Hallmark Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Senior Director for Expansion for Narconon Arrowhead. “They will need time to adjust to a sober lifestyle so oftentimes a more long term approach is needed for treatment to help the addicted person get through this adjustment period.”

Hallmark goes on to say that, “An inpatient environment will give the recovering addict a break from the people and places associated with the addiction, allowing them to focus on their rehabilitation and future of staying sober long-term.”

Narconon Arrowhead, one of the world’s largest drug rehabilitation centers, is a long-term, inpatient treatment facility that achieves over a 70% success rate for permanent sobriety from addiction.

For more information on Narconon drug rehabilitation or to help someone who is struggling with an addiction, contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933 or log onto www.stopaddiction.com.

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Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Marijuana Use in Adolescence Associated with Adult Depression

High school students who use marijuana are at higher risk for drug abuse and other problems as adults, and it may have something to do with the physical aspects of adolescent brains, according to two new studies.

The first study done by Australians followed 1943 people from age 15 to 24 years old. Those who used marijuana were more likely to become dependent on drugs, tobacco, and illegal drugs as adults, and less likely to go to college. Marijuana use in high school also predicted psychosocial problems in adulthood.

The second study , this time from McGill University in Canada, found that laboratory animals exposed to marijuana in adolescence developed symptoms of anxiety and depression as adults. Dr. Gabriella Gobbi, lead author, found that marijuana actually altered two brain chemicals that regulate mood and anxiety in these laboratory rats. Even those rats who were taken off marijuana still had measurable differences in their levels of serotonin and nonrepinephrine.

"Our study is one of the first to focus on the role of biological mechanisms at the root of this influence of cannabis on depression in adolescence," according to Dr. Gobbi, whose study appears in the journal Neurobiology of Disease.

Marijuana Use in Adolescence Associated with Adult Depression is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Drug Court Shows Positive Results, But Further Research Needed

For drug offenders and substance abusers with a non-violent record, drug court can mean a choice: admit guilt, and go into closely monitored substance abuse treatment; or deny guilt and head straight to incarceration. Drug courts are designed to help end the cycle of repeated offenses by offering substance abuse treatment for offenders with non-violent crimes. A report from the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, suggests the courts have made positive strides – but further research is needed to determine their overall effects.

Meant to focus on addiction-based problems for offenders as part of the nation’s attack on drugs, drug courts were established in the 1980s. The Department of Justice says people who abuse drugs are more likely to return to the crime than any other offender, and that once they reach parole, about two-thirds of drug offenders will abuse drugs again or be found in possession.

While an offender is participating in a drug court program, there is a suspension of charges. These charges can ultimately be modified or even dismissed, determined by the offender’s participation in the drug court program. Proponents say the programs work because they lessen the chances that the offender will return to old habits, using recovery-based measures – even for offenders with repeated drug-related crimes.

The report from the NIJ says that recidivism rates were reduced through drug court programs, though it is unknown exactly which aspects of the program had the strongest effect. The report also recommends that treatment be focused on substance abuse theories, and that it should allow program participants to learn cognitive-based strategies for working through recovery. Past participants of drug court have said one-on-one interaction with the judge has made a significant impact on their success.

The report also recommends that all members of a participant’s drug court team be involved with plans for treatment, types of service delivered and reports of results. The NIJ suggests that teams learn more about addiction practice and treatment, especially toward helping participants avoid relapse, in order to offer the most benefit for the program.

When it comes to helping teens and young adults with a history of substance abuse problems, the NIJ report indicated that more exploration is needed to find out whether intervention-based approaches are more effective at reducing drug offenses, or if the focus of drug court efforts should be on preventative measures.

In terms of cost savings, the report indicated that approximate cost per participant was $5,928 over a timeframe of 30 months, but came with savings totaling more than $2,300 in additional costs from within the criminal system, and an additional $1,301 in potential costs toward victimization services.

Drug Court Shows Positive Results, But Further Research Needed is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Monday, January 10, 2011

GBL Withdrawal Should Be Medically Monitored

The withdrawal from any addictive drug can be life threatening, especially if the withdrawal occurs outside of a certified doctor’s care. According to a recent Medical News Today report, this is especially true if the individual is trying to overcome an addiction to GBL.

GBL is a popular party drug that is often a preferred substance among the party crowd in the UK. Addiction to the drug can be swift and the withdrawal process can be severe, requiring extensive medication and monitoring. GBL (gamma butyrolactone) is an industrial solvent used to degrease engines, remove stains, and strip wood. In the body it changes to GHB (gamma hydroxybutyrate), a potent central nervous system depressant.

Dr. James Bell is the head of the party Drugs Clinic at the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust. He believes that withdrawal from GBL should be viewed as a medical emergency.

Bell has conducted extensive research into GBL dependence and withdrawal, even writing a report on the subject. In this report, Bell argues that “round-the-clock” users can experience life-threatening situations when withdrawing from GBL. As a result, these individuals need immediate treatment that uses appropriate medications.

This is a key focus for Bell as health care professionals seem to be well aware of the dependence and withdrawal issues that surround drugs such as heroin and alcohol. It is often assumed that party drugs do not have the same addictive qualities and therefore the withdrawal process is often not monitored or medicated.

When interviewed, most of the users at Bell’s clinic downplayed the dangers associated with GBL and other party drugs. Where GBL is concerned, most users begin occasional use to achieve social confidence, facilitate sexual activity and to treat insomnia. Occasional use quickly develops into around the cloud dependence that requires treatment to overcome.

GBL Withdrawal Should Be Medically Monitored is a post from: Drug Addiction Treatment

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Saturday, January 8, 2011

Health Care Reform Could Allow More Americans To Get Into Rehab Centers

With millions of people under 26 able to be insured under new laws, those addicted will have more choices when it comes to finding effective rehab centers.

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, it is estimated that almost 22.8 million Americans need treatment for substance abuse. Unfortunately, many of these people are unable to find both affordable and effective treatment, as a result of the admission rates required to house an individual in most rehab centers.

According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, 30 percent of all adults between the ages of 20 and 29 have no health insurance. Unfortunately, many of these people who are struggling with a drug or alcohol addiction are unable to afford effective treatment.

On March 23, 2010, President Obama signed legislation to reform health care, allowing guaranteed access to health insurance for millions of people. In Obama’s reform, young adults will be able to stay on a parent’s insurance plan until they turn 26. This means that young adults under the age of 26, who went off the insurance according to previous laws, will be able to return onto their parent’s health and dental insurance. The reforms went into effect on January 1, 2011.

With the Affordable Health Care Act now in place, more young Americans will now be insured, and those struggling with drug addiction in that age bracket will now be able to find solutions for effective drug treatment.

Narconon Arrowhead, one of the world’s largest and most successful drug rehab centers, is prepared to assist these young adults as they look for help with their drug or alcohol addictions. The long term, residential drug and alcohol rehabilitation program has been successfully rehabilitating addicts since the 1960’s.

“With this healthcare reform, millions of young addicts will be able to enter into addiction treatment who, under the previous laws, didn’t qualify,” says Derry Hallmark Certified Chemical Dependency Counselor and Senior Director for Expansion for Narconon Arrowhead. “While it pains us to see so many struggling with addiction, it is good to know that there is a solution for permanent recovery from substance abuse through Narconon rehab centers.”

With a 70% success rate for permanent sobriety, Narconon Arrowhead has proven to be successful in rehabilitating those struggling with drug or alcohol addiction and specializes in handling all types of drug and alcohol addictions.

“These reforms have made drug rehabilitation more accessible to the people who need it most; the youth of America,” says Hallmark. “Many more young people who are addicted will now get the chance for a drug free life.”

For more information on rehab centers for you or someone you know who is struggling with a drug addiction contact Narconon Arrowhead today at 800-468-6933 or log onto www.stopaddiction.com

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Monday, January 3, 2011

David Arquette Enters Rehab

By janice

Actor David Arquette has entered a rehab program for alcohol issues and depression, according to People magazine. A source told the magazine that Arquette is having trouble dealing with his separation from actress Courteney Cox.

The two, who have a 6-year old daughter, Coco, have remained friendly since their split in October. “I really admire David and his choice to take charge and better his life,” Cox told People of Arquette’s decision to enter rehab adding, “I love and support him.” Read more….

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